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04/01/2010
Swine Flu Kills Again
An elderly man has become the latest local victim of swine flu.
The Department of Health published its latest weekly flu update at the end of December and NI Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said: "Sadly, we have been notified of the death of a 92-year-old male who was confirmed as having swine flu.
"I would like to express my sincere sympathy to his family and would ask everyone to respect their privacy and allow them to grieve for their loved one in peace," he said.
The update provided summary data from the week ending Friday 25 December. A full bulletin is not yet available due to the Christmas holiday period.
However, the available data below gives a good indication of the level of flu activity across Northern Ireland.
GP consultation rates have decreased this week from 54.2 in week 51 to 30.6/100,000 population in week 52 (44% decrease). Rates this week may be influenced by the holiday period.
The number of RSV detections increased from 77 in week 51 to 105 in week 52 (36% increase).
Out of hours calls increased this week from 138 in week 51 to 160 in week 52 (16% increase).
There were four influenza detections A/H1N1v in week 52 compared to five in week 51 (20% decrease) with a cumulative total of 1,349 swine flu detections in Northern Ireland as at noon on 30 December 2009.
A cumulative total of 574 hospitalised swine flu cases as at noon on 29 December and there were no new hospitalised cases.
However, the elderly man with underlying health conditions died, bringing the total of swine flu related deaths to 16, (actually 18 as two NI people died outside NI).
Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Paddy Woods said: "The summary information we have continues to indicate that swine flu is not circulating as widely as in previous weeks. It is however still with us and I would encourage everyone to remain vigilant."
Dr Woods continued: "The public continues to have a major role to play in this pandemic, not only looking after themselves, but those they come in contact with by getting the vaccine when it is offered to them. It is the best way for people to be protected against swine flu."
(BMcC/GK)
The Department of Health published its latest weekly flu update at the end of December and NI Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said: "Sadly, we have been notified of the death of a 92-year-old male who was confirmed as having swine flu.
"I would like to express my sincere sympathy to his family and would ask everyone to respect their privacy and allow them to grieve for their loved one in peace," he said.
The update provided summary data from the week ending Friday 25 December. A full bulletin is not yet available due to the Christmas holiday period.
However, the available data below gives a good indication of the level of flu activity across Northern Ireland.
GP consultation rates have decreased this week from 54.2 in week 51 to 30.6/100,000 population in week 52 (44% decrease). Rates this week may be influenced by the holiday period.
The number of RSV detections increased from 77 in week 51 to 105 in week 52 (36% increase).
Out of hours calls increased this week from 138 in week 51 to 160 in week 52 (16% increase).
There were four influenza detections A/H1N1v in week 52 compared to five in week 51 (20% decrease) with a cumulative total of 1,349 swine flu detections in Northern Ireland as at noon on 30 December 2009.
A cumulative total of 574 hospitalised swine flu cases as at noon on 29 December and there were no new hospitalised cases.
However, the elderly man with underlying health conditions died, bringing the total of swine flu related deaths to 16, (actually 18 as two NI people died outside NI).
Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Paddy Woods said: "The summary information we have continues to indicate that swine flu is not circulating as widely as in previous weeks. It is however still with us and I would encourage everyone to remain vigilant."
Dr Woods continued: "The public continues to have a major role to play in this pandemic, not only looking after themselves, but those they come in contact with by getting the vaccine when it is offered to them. It is the best way for people to be protected against swine flu."
(BMcC/GK)
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There has been another fatality from swine flu with yesterday's Department of Health's weekly flu bulletin revealing a further flu related death. This brings the total to 17, as at 6 January, officially - although two other local people have died outside NI from the virus.
Swine Flu Claims Latest NI Victim
There has been another fatality from swine flu with yesterday's Department of Health's weekly flu bulletin revealing a further flu related death. This brings the total to 17, as at 6 January, officially - although two other local people have died outside NI from the virus.
04 November 2009
Swine Flu Weekly Reporting 'Right Way'
Just days after the latest tragic death from swine flu in NI, the Stormont Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey (pictured) has responded to criticism over the revised system of weekly reporting of swine flu. He said that including such deaths in the official weekly bulletin "was the right and appropriate step to take".
Swine Flu Weekly Reporting 'Right Way'
Just days after the latest tragic death from swine flu in NI, the Stormont Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey (pictured) has responded to criticism over the revised system of weekly reporting of swine flu. He said that including such deaths in the official weekly bulletin "was the right and appropriate step to take".
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.
05 February 2010
Swine Flu Cases Still Falling
The level of flu activity across Northern Ireland has again dropped. The Department of Health's weekly flu bulletin - covering the week ending Friday 29 January shows that GP consultation rates for flu have decreased from 23.2/100,000 population to 18.1/100,000 -a 22% decrease.
Swine Flu Cases Still Falling
The level of flu activity across Northern Ireland has again dropped. The Department of Health's weekly flu bulletin - covering the week ending Friday 29 January shows that GP consultation rates for flu have decreased from 23.2/100,000 population to 18.1/100,000 -a 22% decrease.
27 November 2009
Swine Flu Outbreak Slowing
The Department of Health has published its now weekly flu bulletin - and the prognosis for NI is 'improving'. The number of new swine flu cases in Northern Ireland almost halved last week, according to the latest figures. Although there were 43 new cases, that is good compared to 78 the previous week - a fall of 45%, so things are improving.
Swine Flu Outbreak Slowing
The Department of Health has published its now weekly flu bulletin - and the prognosis for NI is 'improving'. The number of new swine flu cases in Northern Ireland almost halved last week, according to the latest figures. Although there were 43 new cases, that is good compared to 78 the previous week - a fall of 45%, so things are improving.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Gale, coastal severe gale, northwest winds ease from late afternoon. Scattered showers will fall as snow over the hills at first, becoming isolated from mid-afternoon. Maximum temperature 7 °C.Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
