Swine flu update

The Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety has said that there are a total number of 33 confirmed cases of swine flu in Northern Ireland.

This new case is a classmate of a pupil at St Ronan’s Primary School in Newry. This is the third case identified in a child and it is the fourth case of person to person spread.

The Public Health Agency said people should not be alarmed as experience in other parts of the UK showed that school-related cases were often common among children in the same class. The child involved had been identified by the Agency's risk assessment as requiring antiviral treatment, and the child's parents had been contacted on Sunday so that these could be provided. The Agency said the child was being cared for at home and was recovering.

Number of cases under investigation in Northern Ireland - 23

Total number of confirmed cases in Northern Ireland – 33

Please Note: The Department will no longer report the total number of negative cases.

Notes to Editors:

• The Northern Ireland swine flu helpline number 0800 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 on the DHSSPS website or the nidirect website.
• Daily figures in relation to swine flu are available on the 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 contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.