16/09/2009

Baby Death, Not Swine Flu

Cardiac problems and not swine flu caused the death of a local infant, the North's Department of Health has confirmed.

A spokesperson said that the infant - understood to have died in the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children - had however tested positive for the illness, while the child's heart condition was the cause of death.

This was at first thought to be the second NI swine flu victim, after Co Antrim cancer victim, Caroline Hoy died from the swine flu virus.

And in July, 30-year-old soldier Lee Porter, who was born in Coleraine, died in a hospital in England from swine flu.

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey last night extended his sympathy to the baby's family at what he described as a "tragic and very sad time".

There have now been 217 laboratory confirmed cases in Northern Ireland, although the number of clinically diagnosed cases stands at almost 9,000.

A total of 94 people have been hospitalised.

See: Second NI Swine Flu Tragedy

(BMcC/GK)

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