Shiloh
Editor, Senior Moderator
Source: http://u.tv/News/Baby-death-may-be-linked-to-swine-flu-/f1b24b09-5379-4826-81f4-6017e50c0af6
Baby death may be linked to swine flu
The Health Minister has said he has been informed of a second death possibly associated with swine flu in Northern Ireland.
Tuesday, 15 September 2009
It is understood that a post mortem examination is being carried out on an infant.
Michael McGimpsey has warned that over 500,000 people in Northern Ireland could get the virus in the coming months.
The Minister said he would not comment further on the death until the post mortem results are known.
"Obviously every death is tragic and my thoughts and sympathies are with the family.
Members will understand and respect that it would not be appropriate for me to make any further comment at this time."
Last month, a 39-year-old mother of two from Co Antrim became the first swine flu victim in the region.
Caroline Hoy from Ahoghill, Co Antrim, died in Belfast City hospital. She was already terminally ill with cancer when she contracted the virus.
Michael McGimpsey told the assembly that 5,000 of the population may be hospitalized due to the virus and up to 525 could die during an outbreak.
The Minister said up to 13,000 people could be affected during a peak week.
Our Political Editor Ken Reid said: "These are not predictions but assumptions which will enable Michael McGimpsey to plan for the worst case scenario."
"The administration is preparing itself for another wave of the virus possibly at the end of October or early November."
Assembly members reacted with sadness to the reports of latest fatal case.
Chair of the Stormont health committee Jim Wells passed on his condolences to the family.
"Could I extend my sympathy to the family of the young baby who apparently, though we are not yet certain, has died as the result of swine flu - the second victim in Northern Ireland," he said.
"I'm sure the whole house will join me in extending our sympathy to that family."
Carmel Hanna of the SDLP echoed those sentiments. "Could I extend my sympathy tothe baby's family at a very sad time for them," she said.
During his briefing to the Assembly on the current spread of the virus, Mr McGimpsey warned of serious consequences for health services in the region if funding to meet the bill for coping with swine flu was not met.
Baby death may be linked to swine flu
The Health Minister has said he has been informed of a second death possibly associated with swine flu in Northern Ireland.
Tuesday, 15 September 2009
It is understood that a post mortem examination is being carried out on an infant.
Michael McGimpsey has warned that over 500,000 people in Northern Ireland could get the virus in the coming months.
The Minister said he would not comment further on the death until the post mortem results are known.
"Obviously every death is tragic and my thoughts and sympathies are with the family.
Members will understand and respect that it would not be appropriate for me to make any further comment at this time."
Last month, a 39-year-old mother of two from Co Antrim became the first swine flu victim in the region.
Caroline Hoy from Ahoghill, Co Antrim, died in Belfast City hospital. She was already terminally ill with cancer when she contracted the virus.
Michael McGimpsey told the assembly that 5,000 of the population may be hospitalized due to the virus and up to 525 could die during an outbreak.
The Minister said up to 13,000 people could be affected during a peak week.
Our Political Editor Ken Reid said: "These are not predictions but assumptions which will enable Michael McGimpsey to plan for the worst case scenario."
"The administration is preparing itself for another wave of the virus possibly at the end of October or early November."
Assembly members reacted with sadness to the reports of latest fatal case.
Chair of the Stormont health committee Jim Wells passed on his condolences to the family.
"Could I extend my sympathy to the family of the young baby who apparently, though we are not yet certain, has died as the result of swine flu - the second victim in Northern Ireland," he said.
"I'm sure the whole house will join me in extending our sympathy to that family."
Carmel Hanna of the SDLP echoed those sentiments. "Could I extend my sympathy tothe baby's family at a very sad time for them," she said.
During his briefing to the Assembly on the current spread of the virus, Mr McGimpsey warned of serious consequences for health services in the region if funding to meet the bill for coping with swine flu was not met.