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08/06/2009
Fourth Swine Flu Case Diagnosed In Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland has registered the fourth confirmed case of swine flu.
The man who yesterday tested positive had recently returned from Florida. He is being treated with anti-virals, and is recovering well.
Those that have been in close contact with him have also been receiving the treatment.
He is the third person from Northern Ireland to be diagnosed with the virus within the last six days.
Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said another case of swine flu in Northern Ireland "was to be expected".
A bacteriologist at Aberdeen University, Professor Hugh Pennington, said it is likely that the real total of cases will double the official figures.
But the Health Minister has urged people not to be alarmed.
"The public can be reassured that we are prepared for a situation like this," Michael McGimpsey said.
He added: "Our containment strategy to use anti-virals to slow the spread of the virus also appears to be effective as well as reducing symptoms but we cannot be complacent."
"We will continue to be vigilant to ensure that we are well placed to deal with any emerging situation," McGimpsey said.
This new case extends the list of victims worldwide. There are 19,315 people diagnosed with swine flu in 66 countries, and 117 deaths - all in Mexico and the US.
(AC/JM)
The man who yesterday tested positive had recently returned from Florida. He is being treated with anti-virals, and is recovering well.
Those that have been in close contact with him have also been receiving the treatment.
He is the third person from Northern Ireland to be diagnosed with the virus within the last six days.
Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said another case of swine flu in Northern Ireland "was to be expected".
A bacteriologist at Aberdeen University, Professor Hugh Pennington, said it is likely that the real total of cases will double the official figures.
But the Health Minister has urged people not to be alarmed.
"The public can be reassured that we are prepared for a situation like this," Michael McGimpsey said.
He added: "Our containment strategy to use anti-virals to slow the spread of the virus also appears to be effective as well as reducing symptoms but we cannot be complacent."
"We will continue to be vigilant to ensure that we are well placed to deal with any emerging situation," McGimpsey said.
This new case extends the list of victims worldwide. There are 19,315 people diagnosed with swine flu in 66 countries, and 117 deaths - all in Mexico and the US.
(AC/JM)
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The second person to have died in Northern Ireland from swine flu may have been an infant. Stormont Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said he had been informed by a Trust of a possible death associated with the virus - and while there are no firm details - there's speculation the deceased was a baby.
28 April 2009
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Swine Flu 'Will Occur' In NI, Says McGimpsey
There will definitely be cases of swine flu occurring in Northern Ireland. The stark warning was delivered to the Stormont Assembly (pictured) during a second briefing by the NI Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey.
27 July 2009
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Ninth Swine Flu Case Confirmed
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Ninth Swine Flu Case Confirmed
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03 June 2009
Second NI Swine Flu Case Confirmed
The Stormont Health Minister Michael McGimpsey (pictured) has said that a further case of swine flu has been confirmed in Northern Ireland. This second case is in a young male who was recently in contact with a case in England. He has been given antiviral treatment and is at home and recovering well.
Second NI Swine Flu Case Confirmed
The Stormont Health Minister Michael McGimpsey (pictured) has said that a further case of swine flu has been confirmed in Northern Ireland. This second case is in a young male who was recently in contact with a case in England. He has been given antiviral treatment and is at home and recovering well.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
