Global pandemic swine flu has entered every stratum of society, with three music fans sent home from Glastonbury after displaying signs of the illness.
This year’s Glastonbury went without a hitch. A record number of people entered the camp site before the main arena opened, with revellers enjoying sets from headliners such as Bruce Springsteen, Neil Young and Blur.
With the area now being dismantled organisers can look back on a job well done. Founder Michael Eavis labelled this year’s instalment as the best ever in the history of the event – but then, he says that every year!
However for three unfortunate people the weekend was to end early. After being diagnosed with possible cases of swine flu, three ticket holders were advised to leave the event for their own and others safety.
The three people include two students and one ten year old from a family of four. The students hail from Edinburgh and Exeter, with all three cases being taken to isolation facilities before being sent home.
The news will no doubt come as a shock to festival fans. Swine flu carries a massive cultural weight, having occupied the press since it first emerged in Mexico. However the risk of serious illness remains low, and the illness is not extremely contagious.
Festival spokesman Christo Hird said the suspected swine flu cases were nothing for campers to be concerned about.
He revealed: “Three unconnected people were taken off-site, straight to an isolation unit on the advice of the doctor and have now gone home. They presented with symptoms. All medical staff have been fully briefed. The view of the chief medical officer is that they had this before turning up.”
“This was anticipated. There is no more risk here than anywhere. The figure of three in 177,000 people is regarded as very low.”
The spokesman confirmed that no one else had presented themselves with symptoms, and that a medical team of 600 are on site to deal with any illness. In total, 116 arrests were made over the weekend with 99 being drug related.
