Update on public health issues related to Polonium-210 investigation

1 December 2006

The Health Protection Agency is continuing to provide expert advice on the public health issues surrounding the death of Mr Alexander Litvinenko.

The Health Protection Agency can also confirm it was informed this morning that tests have established that a further person - who was in direct and very close contact with Mr Litvinenko has a significant quantity of the radioactive isotope Polonium-210 (Po-210) in their body.

This person is now to be investigated further in hospital.

The Health Protection Agency continues to reassure members of the general public that the risk of having been exposed to this substance remains low .

Our advice remains to members of the public that anyone who was in the Itsu restaurant or who was in The Pine Bar or the restaurant of the Millennium Hotel, on 1 November should contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647.

The police investigation continues. We will provide further information later today.

 

Notes to Editors:

1. The HPA advice is that anyone who was in the Itsu restaurant, or who was in The Pine Bar or the restaurant of the Millennium Hotel on 1 November should contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647 where they will be given advice on what to do.

2. If you are an overseas visitor and were in the Itsu restaurant, or The Pine Bar or the restaurant of the Millennium Hotel on 1 November you should email the Health Protection Agency for advice: overseasadvice@hpa.org.uk. If you do not have access to email you can contact NHS Direct on 00 (44) 845 4647 but only via a mobile telephone if you are calling from abroad. (If this does not connect you please try 0845 46 47 instead - again only from a mobile)

3. Further information is available on www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk and www.hpa.org.uk

4. Media enquiries to HPA London press office on 020 7759 2824 or HPA CRCE press office on 01235 822 678 or 01235 822 744. If you are calling out of hours please use 020 8200 4400.

Last reviewed: 30 December 2008