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04/01/2010
Swine Flu Kills Again
An elderly man has become the latest local victim of swine flu.
The Department of Health published its latest weekly flu update at the end of December and NI Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said: "Sadly, we have been notified of the death of a 92-year-old male who was confirmed as having swine flu.
"I would like to express my sincere sympathy to his family and would ask everyone to respect their privacy and allow them to grieve for their loved one in peace," he said.
The update provided summary data from the week ending Friday 25 December. A full bulletin is not yet available due to the Christmas holiday period.
However, the available data below gives a good indication of the level of flu activity across Northern Ireland.
GP consultation rates have decreased this week from 54.2 in week 51 to 30.6/100,000 population in week 52 (44% decrease). Rates this week may be influenced by the holiday period.
The number of RSV detections increased from 77 in week 51 to 105 in week 52 (36% increase).
Out of hours calls increased this week from 138 in week 51 to 160 in week 52 (16% increase).
There were four influenza detections A/H1N1v in week 52 compared to five in week 51 (20% decrease) with a cumulative total of 1,349 swine flu detections in Northern Ireland as at noon on 30 December 2009.
A cumulative total of 574 hospitalised swine flu cases as at noon on 29 December and there were no new hospitalised cases.
However, the elderly man with underlying health conditions died, bringing the total of swine flu related deaths to 16, (actually 18 as two NI people died outside NI).
Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Paddy Woods said: "The summary information we have continues to indicate that swine flu is not circulating as widely as in previous weeks. It is however still with us and I would encourage everyone to remain vigilant."
Dr Woods continued: "The public continues to have a major role to play in this pandemic, not only looking after themselves, but those they come in contact with by getting the vaccine when it is offered to them. It is the best way for people to be protected against swine flu."
(BMcC/GK)
The Department of Health published its latest weekly flu update at the end of December and NI Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said: "Sadly, we have been notified of the death of a 92-year-old male who was confirmed as having swine flu.
"I would like to express my sincere sympathy to his family and would ask everyone to respect their privacy and allow them to grieve for their loved one in peace," he said.
The update provided summary data from the week ending Friday 25 December. A full bulletin is not yet available due to the Christmas holiday period.
However, the available data below gives a good indication of the level of flu activity across Northern Ireland.
GP consultation rates have decreased this week from 54.2 in week 51 to 30.6/100,000 population in week 52 (44% decrease). Rates this week may be influenced by the holiday period.
The number of RSV detections increased from 77 in week 51 to 105 in week 52 (36% increase).
Out of hours calls increased this week from 138 in week 51 to 160 in week 52 (16% increase).
There were four influenza detections A/H1N1v in week 52 compared to five in week 51 (20% decrease) with a cumulative total of 1,349 swine flu detections in Northern Ireland as at noon on 30 December 2009.
A cumulative total of 574 hospitalised swine flu cases as at noon on 29 December and there were no new hospitalised cases.
However, the elderly man with underlying health conditions died, bringing the total of swine flu related deaths to 16, (actually 18 as two NI people died outside NI).
Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Paddy Woods said: "The summary information we have continues to indicate that swine flu is not circulating as widely as in previous weeks. It is however still with us and I would encourage everyone to remain vigilant."
Dr Woods continued: "The public continues to have a major role to play in this pandemic, not only looking after themselves, but those they come in contact with by getting the vaccine when it is offered to them. It is the best way for people to be protected against swine flu."
(BMcC/GK)
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There has been another fatality from swine flu with yesterday's Department of Health's weekly flu bulletin revealing a further flu related death. This brings the total to 17, as at 6 January, officially - although two other local people have died outside NI from the virus.
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27 July 2009
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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.
06 August 2009
Further Swine Flu Cases Confirmed
Lab tested cases of swine flu across Northern Ireland continue to rise. However, while many more people have been diagnosed as swine flu sufferers, the number of laboratory confirmed cases of swine flu have risen by just 16 - a far lower rate of increase than anywhere else in the British Isles.
Further Swine Flu Cases Confirmed
Lab tested cases of swine flu across Northern Ireland continue to rise. However, while many more people have been diagnosed as swine flu sufferers, the number of laboratory confirmed cases of swine flu have risen by just 16 - a far lower rate of increase than anywhere else in the British Isles.
02 October 2009
Highest Levels Of Swine Flu Reached
The number of visits being made to local GPs by people who fear swine flu infection is continuing to rise. Amid fears of a 'second wave' of infections, the Department of Health's latest weekly flu bulletin - for the week ending Friday 25 September, gives a good representation of the level of flu activity across Northern Ireland.
Highest Levels Of Swine Flu Reached
The number of visits being made to local GPs by people who fear swine flu infection is continuing to rise. Amid fears of a 'second wave' of infections, the Department of Health's latest weekly flu bulletin - for the week ending Friday 25 September, gives a good representation of the level of flu activity across Northern Ireland.
04 November 2009
Swine Flu Weekly Reporting 'Right Way'
Just days after the latest tragic death from swine flu in NI, the Stormont Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey (pictured) has responded to criticism over the revised system of weekly reporting of swine flu. He said that including such deaths in the official weekly bulletin "was the right and appropriate step to take".
Swine Flu Weekly Reporting 'Right Way'
Just days after the latest tragic death from swine flu in NI, the Stormont Health Minister, Michael McGimpsey (pictured) has responded to criticism over the revised system of weekly reporting of swine flu. He said that including such deaths in the official weekly bulletin "was the right and appropriate step to take".
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
