Health « Thurles Information

New Variant Of Covid-19, Named ‘Eris’ Detected In Ireland.

A new variant of Covid-19, a descendant of Omicron, designated EG.5 and named ‘Eris’ has been detected in Ireland, according to the Health Service Executive (HSE).

The World Health Organization (WHO) has not designated EG.5 as a variant of concern or while being closely monitored, is not a variant of interest. The HSE have stated that ‘Eris’ however is more transmissible than previous circulating variants and has been associated with recent outbreaks in hospitals in Ireland, the USA and in England; in the case of the latter classified as a variant on July 31st last.

The symptoms of ‘Eris’ are as follows: Sore throat; Runny nose; Blocked nose; Sneezing; Dry cough; Headache; Wet cough; Hoarse voice; Muscle aches and Altered smell.

**New variant of Covid-19, a descendant of Omicron, designated EG.5, on the rise.**
*Pic. G. Willoughby*.

The Public Health Agency said that the Sars-COV-2 virus, which causes Covid-19, remains in circulation and is constantly evolving, with new variants arising frequently. With summer holidays the rise in cases at home and internationally is being driven by greater indoor interaction, increased international travel and obviously waning immunity.

There remain currently known, some 408 cases in hospitals with the virus, up from 121 two weeks ago, and of these, 12 people remain in ICU.

However it should be kept in mind that sadly, since the pandemic began, there have been some 1.7 million PCR cases confirmed as having Covid-19 and 9,125 deaths recorded in Ireland.
Globally, some 1 million new covid-19 cases and more than 3,100 deaths were reported in the 28 days up to August 3rd last, according to the latest World Health Organization report. This brings the death toll to almost 7 million since the pandemic began.

Covid-19 Infections Rise Last Month.

The Heath Service Executive (HSE) has said it is currently seeing a slight increase in Covid-19 infections here in the Irish State, which in turn is causing a slight increase in hospital admissions.

During May and June infection indicators had shown a downward trend, however same began to increase again at towards the end of June, possibly due to overseas travel; as a similar trend is also occurring in the UK.

The number of patients in ICU, with Covid-19 infection did increase slightly during the month of July, but remained relatively low. Currently this month saw ten patients in ICU’s, compared to three patients one month earlier, at the start of July.

St Luke’s Hospital in Kilkenny has acknowledged that it is dealing with an outbreak of Covid-19 infections resulting in the suspension of visitors, except for their maternity unit and in other exceptional circumstances.
St Luke’s Hospital has stated that there are a number of Covid and non-Covid patients presenting to its emergency department and while all urgent care cases should still attend the hospital, it did urge people to consider other options, if possible, before coming to their emergency department.

Several outbreaks are also being managed on inpatient wards at University Hospital Limerick.

Earlier this week, University Hospital Galway said it was also dealing with a Covid-19 outbreak, with 39 Covid patients in the hospital; thus leaving five wards affected. Visiting restrictions are fully in place in areas of the hospital affected by these outbreaks.

Thurles Consumers Angry Over Failure To Explain Two Week Old Boil Water Notice.

Why Should Thurles Consumers Be Concerned?

Almost two weeks on and Uisce Eireann (Irish Water) has confirmed that it cannot give a conclusive date with regards to the lifting of the Thurles Regional Boil Water Notice*.
[*Note: Three consecutive days of satisfactory results are required before the notice can be lifted.]

The Thurles Regional Public Water Scheme Boil Water Notice was publicly announced first on July 14th last and impacts on some 12,000 consumers. Irish Water have confirmed that work remains ongoing in their efforts to resolve the current issue, which necessitated this unexplained Boil Water Notice.

While Thurles consumers wait for an explanation as to what has caused this Boil Water Notice; last weekend anxious consumers, especially those with very young children, found themselves unable to purchase 5L size bottles of water from local outlets and were forced to instead purchase the more expensive 750ml small bottles.
This issue in supermarkets has now been corrected and this morning 5L bottles of ishka (manufactured next door in Co. Limerick) have appeared on the shelves. Consumers however are advised to shop early in the morning to ensure supply.

Meanwhile, elderly people with no availability to social media, have continued and in some cases are still continuing to use the non-boiled water, unaware of the Boil Water Notices currently being in place.
Note: No leaflets were posted through letterboxes warning of this serious issue and no alternative supply was put in place.

Meanwhile, Irish Water has stated that it greatly regrets any inconvenience caused to the individual homes and businesses in the Thurles community.

Motorist Warning-Pedestrian Traffic Lights On Cathedral Street Non Existent.

Warning to motorists travelling westward on Cathedral Street in Thurles.
Same are being warned that the pedestrian crossing traffic lights have once again been seriously adjusted by possibly some unknown high sided vehicle for the umpteenth time.

Same as shown in picture above now has its Red, Green and Yellow lighting system indicators facing north rather than west. Same is particularly dangerous coming onto evening with the setting sun.

This brings to four the number of pedestrian crossing traffic light system constantly being damaged on a regular basis here in Thurles, and all due to the fact that same are erected too close to moving two lane traffic.

The waste of taxpayers’ money by engineers continues unabated.

FSAI Recall Funny Candy Cup Cake Sweets.

Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) Recall ‘Funny Candy Cup Cake Candy’, due to a possible risk of consumers choking.

The product in question identified is ‘Funny Candy Cup Cake Candy’, pack size: 40g with Batch Codes discerned as KD2349-12-21, KD2577-03-22, KD2828-06-22, KD2972-07-22, KD3251-08-22

The country of origin of these sweets is China.

The above stated batches of this candy are being recalled due to a possible risk of choking.
When consumed, there is the possibility of this product breaking and loose pieces of plastic (1.5cm x 3cm) ending up in the mouth.

Manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, caterers & retailers are requested to remove the implicated sweets from sale and display, and should place recall notices at all points of sale.

Consumers are advised not to eat the implicated sweets.