Suspected swine flu case in Mayo schoolchild

A schoolchild in Mayo is being treated for swine flu, it emerged today.

The child, aged around seven, is not seriously ill and is being treated at home.

All family and children and parents who may have been in contact with the youngster were being notified.

“The Department (of Health) can confirm that an additional case has been identified as a positive case of Influenza A (H1N1),” a government spokeswoman said.

“The child is being cared for at home. All contacts have been traced and all necessary health measures are being taken.”

The youngster, believed to be from Balla just outside Castlebar, attends school in the nearby Breaffy area.

The principal of the school has been contacting all parents, including sending out text messages, to invite them to a meeting this afternoon.

Sixteen swine flu cases have been confirmed in Ireland, including two more in the last 24 hours.