Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/northern_ireland/8312474.stm
Girl's death 'swine flu related'
Swine flu virus
The number of laboratory confirmed cases in NI now stands at 565.
The health minister has confirmed that a 14-year-old girl who died in the Western Health Trust area had been suffering from swine flu.
In a statement, Michael McGimpsey said he was saddened to hear about the death and expressed his deepest sympathy to the teenager's family.
It brings to seven the total number of people from Northern Ireland who have died while suffering from the virus.
Five died in NI while the other two victims died in England and Spain.
No further details about the girl's death have been released and it is not known if she was suffering from an underlying health condition.
Northern Ireland's Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride assured parents of children who may have come into contact with the girl that "if their child has no symptoms of swine flu and is otherwise healthy there is no need for antiviral treatment".
He said that any parents who are worried that their child may by suffering from the symptoms of swine flu should immediately telephone their GP or out-of-hours service for advice and assessment.
Cases increasing
"For the vast majority of people, swine flu remains a mild illness, however, some people will require hospital care and in some cases admission to intensive care", he added.
Figures released on Thursday showed that there have been 565 laboratory confirmed cases of swine flu in Northern Ireland since the outbreak began.
The number of newly confirmed cases increased by nearly 60% compared to the week before and represented the highest weekly number reported to date.
The first batch of swine flu vaccines has arrived in Northern Ireland and a vaccination programme is due to start on 21 October.
Frontline heath workers will be first to receive the vaccine, closely followed by 'at-risk' groups including people with chronic illnesses and suppressed immune systems.
Girl's death 'swine flu related'
Swine flu virus
The number of laboratory confirmed cases in NI now stands at 565.
The health minister has confirmed that a 14-year-old girl who died in the Western Health Trust area had been suffering from swine flu.
In a statement, Michael McGimpsey said he was saddened to hear about the death and expressed his deepest sympathy to the teenager's family.
It brings to seven the total number of people from Northern Ireland who have died while suffering from the virus.
Five died in NI while the other two victims died in England and Spain.
No further details about the girl's death have been released and it is not known if she was suffering from an underlying health condition.
Northern Ireland's Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride assured parents of children who may have come into contact with the girl that "if their child has no symptoms of swine flu and is otherwise healthy there is no need for antiviral treatment".
He said that any parents who are worried that their child may by suffering from the symptoms of swine flu should immediately telephone their GP or out-of-hours service for advice and assessment.
Cases increasing
"For the vast majority of people, swine flu remains a mild illness, however, some people will require hospital care and in some cases admission to intensive care", he added.
Figures released on Thursday showed that there have been 565 laboratory confirmed cases of swine flu in Northern Ireland since the outbreak began.
The number of newly confirmed cases increased by nearly 60% compared to the week before and represented the highest weekly number reported to date.
The first batch of swine flu vaccines has arrived in Northern Ireland and a vaccination programme is due to start on 21 October.
Frontline heath workers will be first to receive the vaccine, closely followed by 'at-risk' groups including people with chronic illnesses and suppressed immune systems.