9,000 develop swine flu in past week

MORE than 9,000 people have been infected with swine flu in the past seven days, with children worst affected in the biggest surge in cases yet witnessed in Ireland.

New figures released by the Department of Health and HSE show the potentially deadly virus is continuing to spread, with 2,200 more cases seen during the period than just one week previously.

According to the health authorities, the highest rate of infection continues to be among school children.