More deaths from swine flu expected

Health officials are warning of more deaths from swine flu after a young woman became the first person to die from the virus at a Dublin hospital.

The woman, who was from the west of Ireland and who had underlying medical problems, died at Tallaght Hospital yesterday afternoon.

The fatality is the first since cases initially emerged here in May.

Eighteen people remain in hospital with the virus, including two patients who are seriously ill in intensive care.

The Department of Health had warned in recent weeks that deaths from swine flu were inevitable.

The global swine flu pandemic has so far claimed the lives of almost 1,200 people since the outbreak was identified in April.

Earlier this week, the World Health Organisation also warned that the spread of the virus is unstoppable.

Doctor Pat Doorley of the Health Service Executive has assured that a swine flu vaccine will be rolled out here as soon as possible.