Newlywed couple who sparked UK’s virus scare
FEARS were growing last night that newlyweds Iain and Dawn Askham, the first people in the UK diagnosed with swine flu, may have spread the killer virus among friends and family.
Nine people are displaying symptoms of the flu after being in contact with the couple from Polmont, near Falkirk in Scotland.
The Askhams, pictured on their wedding day on April 4, were yesterday being treated in isolation at Monklands Hospital in Airdrie, Lanarkshire. Their condition is continuing to improve but no decision has been made on when they can be discharged.
A total of 22 people who came into contact with the couple have been tested and told to stay at home and avoid contact with others.
Scottish Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said: “We are doing everything we can to contain and to disrupt the spread of the infection.” It is believed the couple flew to Mexico on honeymoon two days after their wedding in Falkirk before returning home last Tuesday. Mr Askham, 27, is employed by Scottish Power while his 24-year-old wife works for Boots.
A statement issued by their parents said they were both in good spirits. It said: “They were both quite shocked that the result was positive for swine flu but are relieved that their symptoms have been very mild.”
