Menu
09/06/2009
Six NI Swine Flu Cases Confirmed
Two more cases of swine flu have been confirmed in Northern Ireland, the Department of Health has said.
This brings the total number of cases in the province to six.
The latest to be diagnosed with the illness are a male and a female who returned separately from America; one from Florida and one from New York.
Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said: "It is not surprising that other cases are beginning to emerge and I would again urge people not be alarmed.
"The public can be reassured that we are prepared for a situation like this. 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 can not be complacent - we will continue to be vigilant to ensure we are well-placed to deal with any emerging situation."
NI has enough anti-virals to treat 50% of the population and this is being increased to treat 80%.
Dr Elizabeth Mitchell, Northern Ireland's Acting Chief Medical Officer, said: "Simple, effective measures can help reduce the spread of flu.
"Always use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when sneezing, dispose of the tissue and then wash your hands with soap and water or sanitising gel. The message is simple - catch it, bin it, kill it."
If a pandemic is declared, everyone in Northern Ireland will have access to two doses of vaccine if they need them.
(GK/JM)
This brings the total number of cases in the province to six.
The latest to be diagnosed with the illness are a male and a female who returned separately from America; one from Florida and one from New York.
Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said: "It is not surprising that other cases are beginning to emerge and I would again urge people not be alarmed.
"The public can be reassured that we are prepared for a situation like this. 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 can not be complacent - we will continue to be vigilant to ensure we are well-placed to deal with any emerging situation."
NI has enough anti-virals to treat 50% of the population and this is being increased to treat 80%.
Dr Elizabeth Mitchell, Northern Ireland's Acting Chief Medical Officer, said: "Simple, effective measures can help reduce the spread of flu.
"Always use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose when sneezing, dispose of the tissue and then wash your hands with soap and water or sanitising gel. The message is simple - catch it, bin it, kill it."
If a pandemic is declared, everyone in Northern Ireland will have access to two doses of vaccine if they need them.
(GK/JM)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
21 February 2024
Irish Govt Commits To Invest €800m In Northern Ireland
The announcement of an €800 million (£685m) investment in Northern Ireland by the Irish Government has been welcomed as a "significant contribution" by Finance Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA.
Irish Govt Commits To Invest €800m In Northern Ireland
The announcement of an €800 million (£685m) investment in Northern Ireland by the Irish Government has been welcomed as a "significant contribution" by Finance Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA.
24 July 2009
GPs Busy As Swine Flu Numbers Rise
Family doctors and their after-hours services are coming under increasing pressure over swine flu. The news comes as fresh figures this week indicated that there were three further confirmed cases of swine flu in Northern Ireland.
GPs Busy As Swine Flu Numbers Rise
Family doctors and their after-hours services are coming under increasing pressure over swine flu. The news comes as fresh figures this week indicated that there were three further confirmed cases of swine flu in Northern Ireland.
06 January 2011
NI Swine Flu Cases Accelerating
Swine flu, the H1N1 virus is firmly back in the news as new cases continue to rise. A significant jump in infections recorded in Northern Ireland has seen the number of people treated for swine flu increase from 136 to 185 in the last week of 2010.
NI Swine Flu Cases Accelerating
Swine flu, the H1N1 virus is firmly back in the news as new cases continue to rise. A significant jump in infections recorded in Northern Ireland has seen the number of people treated for swine flu increase from 136 to 185 in the last week of 2010.
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.
21 August 2009
'Sadness' As Swine Flu Death Revealed
Northern Ireland has suffered its first swine flu fatality. The woman died last night having been previously diagnosed with swine flu. She passed away in a Northern Ireland hospital and it is understood she had an underlying health condition.
'Sadness' As Swine Flu Death Revealed
Northern Ireland has suffered its first swine flu fatality. The woman died last night having been previously diagnosed with swine flu. She passed away in a Northern Ireland hospital and it is understood she had an underlying health condition.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:A dry evening with late sunny spells and some long clear spells overnight. Becoming cloudier across the north towards dawn with a few showers possible. Touch of frost in south. Minimum temperature 0 °C.
