The children were part of a family group who had recently returned from Mexico. One of the children is a Primary 2 pupil at St Ronan's Primary School in Newry, the other is a younger sibling. Both children have been given antivirals and are recovering at home.
As a precautionary measure the school will now close two days ahead of its scheduled summer holidays. Pupils and some staff in the same class as the child are also being offered antivirals.
There are now 32 confirmed cases of swine flu in Northern Ireland and 15 cases under investigation. Seven cases (including the two children) have been confirmed since Friday evening, six are travel related and one is a ! contact of a previously confirmed case in Northern Ireland. All have received antivirals and are recovering at home. The Public Health Agency is following up any close contacts of these individuals.
Mr McGimpsey said: "These are the first cases of swine flu in children in Northern Ireland and I am pleased to hear that their symptoms are mild and both are recovering at home.
"Throughout the day, the Public Health Agency has been working closely with staff at St Ronan's primary school and have stressed that the risk to other children and staff at the school is low. Children and staff in the same class as this child will be offered antivirals.
"I would like to reassure the public that this situation is not unexpected and the increase in confirmed cases reflects what is happening across the rest of the UK. In Northern Ireland, we are well prepared to deal with a pandemic and have been planning for this situation for many years."
Notes to Editors:
- The Northern Ireland swine flu helpline number 08 00 0514 142 is a freephone helpline for those who want more information about swine flu.
- The UK-wide flu information line on 0800 1 513 513 provides regularly updated advice on swine flu. This is also a freephone number.
- Further information about swine flu can be found at the DHSSPS website or the nidirect website.
- Daily figures in relation to swine flu are available at DHSSPS website and the nidirect website every afternoon (Monday – Friday). The Department will advise of any new confirmed cases at the same time each day.
- Media enquiries to the DHSSPS Press Office on 028 9052 0579. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
