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10/12/2009
Drop In Swine Flu Cases
There has been a further drop in cases of swine flu across Northern Ireland, according to the Department of Health's latest flu pandemic bulletin.
No swine flu related deaths have been reported within the last week and GP consultation rates for the combined flu have decreased by 24% from 99.2 per 100,000 population to 74.9.
NI Health Minister Michael McGimpsey commented: "I am very encouraged by the continued decrease in the key indicators.
"We are now experiencing the same level of flu activity as this time last year. This general downward trend of the figures is very encouraging and suggests that our preparations and plans are working."
Swine flu is particularly affecting children under five.
"Of nine new hospitalised cases this week, five of these were in children under five. This highlights the need to vaccinate these young children as soon as soon as possible," Mr McGimpsey said.
Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride, paid tribute to the work of staff in Trusts and primary care who are delivering the vaccination programme.
He said: "Planning this programme has been a major undertaking and I am also very appreciative of all those from a wide range of organisations who have worked together to make this possible."
The total number of swine flu related deaths across NI remains at 13, while the British Medical Journal's website, bmj.com, today revealed that there were 26 deaths out of every 100,000 cases of swine flu in England (a fatality rate of 0.026%).
The authors of the new research concluded that "the first influenza pandemic of the 21st century is considerably less lethal than was feared in advance".
See: Swine Flu Deaths 'Less Than Expected'
See: No Further Swine Flu Deaths In NI
(GK/BMcc)
No swine flu related deaths have been reported within the last week and GP consultation rates for the combined flu have decreased by 24% from 99.2 per 100,000 population to 74.9.
NI Health Minister Michael McGimpsey commented: "I am very encouraged by the continued decrease in the key indicators.
"We are now experiencing the same level of flu activity as this time last year. This general downward trend of the figures is very encouraging and suggests that our preparations and plans are working."
Swine flu is particularly affecting children under five.
"Of nine new hospitalised cases this week, five of these were in children under five. This highlights the need to vaccinate these young children as soon as soon as possible," Mr McGimpsey said.
Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride, paid tribute to the work of staff in Trusts and primary care who are delivering the vaccination programme.
He said: "Planning this programme has been a major undertaking and I am also very appreciative of all those from a wide range of organisations who have worked together to make this possible."
The total number of swine flu related deaths across NI remains at 13, while the British Medical Journal's website, bmj.com, today revealed that there were 26 deaths out of every 100,000 cases of swine flu in England (a fatality rate of 0.026%).
The authors of the new research concluded that "the first influenza pandemic of the 21st century is considerably less lethal than was feared in advance".
See: Swine Flu Deaths 'Less Than Expected'
See: No Further Swine Flu Deaths In NI
(GK/BMcc)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
27 July 2009
Tamiflu Prescribed For First Time
An antiviral drug is now being dispensed in NI for the first time. As more people are falling ill with suspected swine flu, Tamiflu is going to patients who present with symptoms.
Tamiflu Prescribed For First Time
An antiviral drug is now being dispensed in NI for the first time. As more people are falling ill with suspected swine flu, Tamiflu is going to patients who present with symptoms.
15 January 2010
Flu Pandemic 'Exaggerated'
Northern Ireland's latest swine flu figures are still on the way down.
Flu Pandemic 'Exaggerated'
Northern Ireland's latest swine flu figures are still on the way down.
29 January 2010
Latest Swine Flu Tragedy Reported
While GP consultation rates for the flu have continued to fall, - down 36% - with rates remaining well below the Northern Ireland threshold for seasonal influenza activity, there has been another swine flu related fatality.
Latest Swine Flu Tragedy Reported
While GP consultation rates for the flu have continued to fall, - down 36% - with rates remaining well below the Northern Ireland threshold for seasonal influenza activity, there has been another swine flu related fatality.
07 October 2009
Child Dies From Swine Flu Infection
The tragic death of a local child who was suffering from swine flu has been confirmed. NI Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey has today expressed his deepest sympathy to the family of the unnamed young child who died yesterday. He said that the victim was confirmed as having swine flu, but the exact cause of death of the child is not yet known.
Child Dies From Swine Flu Infection
The tragic death of a local child who was suffering from swine flu has been confirmed. NI Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey has today expressed his deepest sympathy to the family of the unnamed young child who died yesterday. He said that the victim was confirmed as having swine flu, but the exact cause of death of the child is not yet known.
12 January 2011
Extra Flu Jabs Allocated To NI
NI's supply of 'normal' seasonal flu vaccine is being supplemented by stocks of the swine flu (H1N1) vaccine, to meet increased demand, it emerged yesterday. Over 410,000 doses of the seasonal flu vaccine, which offers protection against swine flu and other circulating viruses such as Influenza B, have already been distributed to GPs and Trusts.
Extra Flu Jabs Allocated To NI
NI's supply of 'normal' seasonal flu vaccine is being supplemented by stocks of the swine flu (H1N1) vaccine, to meet increased demand, it emerged yesterday. Over 410,000 doses of the seasonal flu vaccine, which offers protection against swine flu and other circulating viruses such as Influenza B, have already been distributed to GPs and Trusts.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
