Published Wednesday, 21 October 2009
Ashleigh Lynch, 14, was a pupil at Foyleview school in Londonderry where Orla O'Kane, also 14, attended before her death. Five pupils at the school have contracted the virus.
Ashleigh died in the city's Altnagelvin Hospital on Wednesday - health officials said swine flu was a contributory factor, but not the primary cause.
In a statement, the teenager's family said: "Ashleigh Lynch was a dearly loved daughter, sister, auntie and granddaughter. Her life brought much joy and richness to her family and friends."
The deaths of two other people with the virus - a 62-year-old man and a patient whose details are not being made public - were also confirmed by the government.
Stormont Health minister Michael McGimpsey said the man had swine flu but it was not the cause of death.
The third victim also had other complex health issues, said the minister. Both died in hospital.
Ten people from Northern Ireland have now died after contracting the virus - eight within the region, one in England and one in Spain.
"This is tragic news and I would like express my sincere and deepest sympathies to each of the families," said Mr McGimpsey.
"My thoughts are with them at this very sad time for them. We should all now respect the privacy of the families involved who are grieving for their loved ones."
The latest deaths were announced on the day Northern Ireland's swine flu vaccination programme was launched by Mr McGimpsey - directed first at frontline health and social care staff.
On Thursday and Friday the vaccine will be offered to around 2,500 children in more than 20 special schools because they are considered to be especially vulnerable because of their underlying health conditions.
The minister added: "Today I have launched the swine flu vaccination programme which is our best defence against swine flu. It will protect the most vulnerable in our society and I would encourage everyone to get it when it is offered. Protect yourself, protect those at risk and get the vaccine."
On Wednesday night, UTV Live Tonight asked Chief nursing officer Martin Bradley and Deputy Chief Medical officer Dr Elizabeth Mitchell to answer as many of YOUR questions as possible about the pandemic and the newly launched vaccination programme. Watch their answers...