Swine Flu Tragedy 'Crosses Border'

The death toll continues to mount after two young children with swine flu have died in Northern Ireland - one of the victims being from the Irish Republic.

The death of a 10-month-old baby boy was announced just hours after the authorities said a two-year-old boy with the virus had died.

While the baby had underlying health problems, it is not known if the two-year-old, who was from the Republic of Ireland, was also suffering from another condition as his family have asked for those details to remain private.

The death takes to 19 the confirmed number of people with the H1N1 virus who have died in Northern Ireland this flu season.

The Stormont Health Minister Michael McGimpsey expressed his sympathies to the family of the latest young victim, who was from Northern Ireland: "This is tragic news and my thoughts and sympathies are with the family of this baby at this very sad and difficult time," he said.

The Minister had earlier passed his condolences to the family of the two-year-old boy.

Meanwhile, the NI Chief Medical Officer has sought to reassure parents of healthy children that there is no need for alarm.

Dr McBride passed on his sympathies to the families of those who died, but he stressed that under fives in NI were not at any greater risk than other age groups.

"We continue to offer vaccinations to any child under five in an at risk group as advised by the Joint Committee.

"I know IT is keeping this under close and active review and we will continue to be guided by their expert advice."

(BMcC/GK)