Ninth Swine Flu Case Confirmed

There has been another case of swine flu confirmed in Northern Ireland, bringing the total number of cases locally to nine.

This person has mild symptoms and is said to be recovering at home.

The Department of Health has said this case relates to travel outside the UK and does not involve a school, workplace or other setting within the UK, as has been the case on other infections.

It is not known if the patient is male or female, or where they come from as the person affected has asked that no details regarding their identity be disclosed.

As of today (Tuesday) the number of cases under investigation in Northern Ireland is at six.

Overall, the number of cases investigated and have proved negative in Northern Ireland stands at 137, while the number of confirmed cases in Northern Ireland has yet to reach double figures.

Earlier this month, the Stormont 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."

The local news comes on foot of a double tragedy in Scotland where the two-week old baby of a British woman - who became the first swine flu fatality outside the Americas - has also died.

Jacqueline Fleming, 38, from Carnwadric in south Glasgow, died at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley.

A fortnight earlier she had given birth prematurely to a baby boy Jack. The NHS in Glasgow confirmed he died on Monday in a special care baby unit at the same hospital from complications. An NHS spokesman said the baby did not die from swine flu.

Fleming had underlying health problems, and died in intensive care at the hospital. The birth was induced nearly three months early because of her critical condition.

See: Six NI Swine Flu Cases Confirmed

See: Double Tragedy For Swine Flu Family, As Baby Dies Of 'Complications'