Child with swine flu dies in North

A nine-year-old child has died after catching swine flu in the North, it was confirmed today.

The victim had underlying health conditions and died within the last few days, a spokesman added.

It brings to 14 the number of related deaths.

The North's Health Minister Michael McGimpsey said: “I would like to express my sincere sympathy to the family and would ask everyone to respect their privacy and allow them to grieve for their loved one in peace.”

There were 15 flu detections last week bringing the total to 1,344. There have been 573 people hospitalised.

The number of GP consultations for flu or flu-like illnesses decreased this week by a fifth to 60 in every 100,000 people.

Chief medical officer Dr Michael McBride said the response to the first phase of the vaccination programme had been excellent and he was pleased so many had taken up the offer.

Almost 220,000 people have been vaccinated but the actual number may be even higher.

Children aged over six months and under five years will be called for vaccination in the coming weeks.