Third swine flu case confirmed in the North

A third case of swine flu has been confirmed in the North, the Department of Health said today.

A man recently back from New York was the victim. He has been given anti-virals and is at home and recovering well. All close contacts of him are also being treated.

The Public Health Agency is tracing passengers sitting close to him on a flight from London Heathrow to Belfast City Airport on Tuesday morning.

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said: “I would again urge the people of Northern Ireland not to be alarmed. Given the increasing number of cases worldwide, we can probably expect to see more here.

“We are well prepared to deal with the emerging situation and will ensure we maintain a high state of readiness for any potential pandemic.

“We are continually monitoring the situation and will provide the public with the information and advice they need.”

The North has enough anti-virals to treat 50% of the population and this is being increased to treat 80%.

On Tuesday a man recently returned from England was diagnosed with the illness. He had been in contact with someone who tested positive for the virus.

There have been many other cases in Ireland and Great Britain.