Child with swine flu dies

Published Thursday, 17 December 2009
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A nine-year-old child has died after catching swine flu, bringing to 14 the number of related deaths in Northern Ireland.

The victim had underlying health conditions and died within the last few days, the Department of Health said on Thursday.

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said: "I would like to express my sincere sympathy to the family and would ask everyone to respect their privacy and allow them to grieve for their loved one in peace."

There were 15 flu detections last week bringing the total to 1,344. There have been 573 people hospitalised.

But the number of GP consultations for flu or flu-like illnesses decreased by a fifth to 60 in every 100,000 people.

Chief medical officer Dr Michael McBride said the response to the first phase of the vaccination programme had been excellent.

Almost 220,000 people have been vaccinated but the actual number may be even higher.

Children aged over six months and under five years will be called for vaccination in the coming weeks.

© UTV News
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