-STATEMENT BEGINS- The Public Health Agency (PHA) has confirmed that a person who has recently travelled in an area affected by Ebola is being assessed in accordance with the agreed risk assessment. The PHA is liaising with colleagues and has advised that there is no increased risk to the wider community. Ebola virus disease (EVD), formerly known as Ebola haemorrhagic fever, can be a severe illness in humans. The incubation period, that is, the time interval from infection with the virus to onset of symptoms, is 2 to 21 days.

Welsh 'Indie Folksters' Paper Aeroplanes, who are currently touring the UK, stopped off in Lisburn today for a surprise gig at a school, which they also used to promote the Public Health Agency’s (PHA) stop smoking campaign. The duet, whose track ‘Same Mistakes’ features in the PHA’s recent stop smoking TV ads, played a gig at Fort Hill College in Lisburn and used the opportunity to warn young people of the dangers of smoking. They also encouraged those who already smoke to seek help and quit. Gerry Bleakney, Strategic Lead for Tobacco Control with the PHA, said:

The Public Health Agency (PHA) has commended Norbrook Laboratories Ltd in Newry for taking part in the ‘Workplace 28 day stop smoking challenge’ to support their employees to stop smoking, and has congratulated the group of staff that took part. The ‘Workplace 28 day stop smoking challenge’ was launched on 1 October to encourage and support workers to stop smoking and called for businesses to work with the PHA to make this happen. Congratulating Norbrook, Gerry Bleakney, Strategic Lead for Tobacco Control with the PHA, said:

With over three out of five of us spending three or more hours in a sedentary position on weekdays, the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging everyone to get more active during the day at work. Too much time sitting can be bad for your health and many of us spend a lot of our work hours sitting at a desk. Colette Brolly, the PHA lead on Physical Activity, said: “With a few simple steps, it’s quite easy to build moderate activity into your work day while still getting on with your job.

Today [5 November] is National Stress Awareness Day and the Public Health Agency (PHA) is encouraging people to take practical steps to deal with stress they may be experiencing.

Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers among both men and women in Northern Ireland, with around 900 new cases diagnosed each year, but it is also one of the most preventable forms of cancer, so during Lung Cancer Awareness Month the Public Health Agency (PHA) is calling on smokers to take the decision to give up their habit and start to enjoy the benefits of a smoke-free lifestyle.

Today the Public Health Agency (PHA) is launching a new service to identify people at risk from a symptomless genetic disorder that increases a person’s chance of early heart disease and premature death. About one in 500 people has Familial Hypercholesterolaemia (FH), an inherited condition that means their cholesterol levels are higher than normal from birth. The service has been developed and funded through a partnership between Health and Social Care and Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke (NICHS).