1,800 new swine flu cases in a week

MORE than 1,800 people have been diagnosed with swine flu in the past week alone, with four being treated in intensive care units over serious concerns for their safety.

Just two days after the second Irish death from the infection was confirmed, new figures released by the Department of Health and HSE show that despite widespread public awareness of the virus, infection numbers are continuing to rise.

According to the latest update by the health authorities, 19 people are currently being treated in hospitals across the country for swine flu, representing almost a third of the 62 total hospitalisations since the infection emerged.