51 cases of swine flu confirmed

The number of patients treated for swine flu in Ireland has passed the 50 mark, it was revealed tonight.

The latest case was a schoolgirl in Roscommon where health officials were attempting to trace all youngsters who may have been in contact with her.

The Department of Health said two more cases were confirmed in the last 24 hours bringing the total to 51, including just four in-country transmissions.

Parents and staff met health chiefs at the Roxboro National School to discuss the risks to pupils and also advise on precautions.

Principal Michael Cleary said staff were hopeful the child would recover fully.

“Our thoughts are with the family of the pupil concerned and that everything works out for them and we are confident that will be the case. The pupil is doing well,” he told RTÉ.

“The HSE has informed us that there has to be a certain amount of contact time for the person with the flu to carry flu on another. We have to be hopeful no child would have been open to contracting flu.”

The Roxboro school has five teachers and more than 130 pupils. The affected child was being taught in a room with first and second class pupils up until last Monday.

Parents were told the incubation period for swine flu is around seven days and children should develop symptoms within that time.