30/10/2009

Swine Flu Figures Rising Fast

Cases of human swine flu are still rising as figures released to day show that over 9,200 were diagnosed with virus in the past week.

The findings, reported by the Department of Health & Children, compares with 7,000 cases last week.

No further deaths have occurred, but 109 people remain in hospital suffering from the H1N1 virus, of which 23 are in intensive care.

Chief Medical Officer at the Department of Health, Dr Tony Holohan has said that an increased number of swine flu cases are being seen in children up to the age of 14 years.

The figures come as it emerged that twenty five schools in Northern Ireland have been hit with swine flu outbreaks since the start of the new term.

Health officials revealed yesterday that over half of those incidences occurred within the last 10 days - with 12 schools and one playgroup being affected in that time.

The Irish Health Service Executive has however confirmed a national vaccination campaign for people at-risk to start on Monday.

It will include people with chronic lung, heart, kidney or liver disease, those with diabetes or neurological conditions and pregnant women.

The HSE says that over 2,100 GPs have also agreed to take part in the vaccination programme.

The HSE is also setting up 45 clinics around the country where people can be vaccinated if their local doctor is not providing the service

(DW/BMcC)

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