New swine flu case in North

A seventh case of swine flu was confirmed in Northern Ireland tonight.

A seventh case of swine flu was confirmed in Northern Ireland tonight.

All but one case has been confirmed in the past week and the increase came hours after Health Minister Michael McGimpsey warned the Stormont Assembly that Northern Ireland should brace itself for more cases in the coming days and weeks.

The latest case is a man who was a contact of a previously confirmed case.

The Department of Health said he had mild flu symptoms and was recovering at home.

The Public Health Agency is arranging a follow-up of people who were in close contact with him since he developed symptoms.

Mr McGimpsey said: "It is not surprising that other cases are beginning to emerge and I would again urge people not to be alarmed. I am pleased to hear that this man is recovering well."

The minister added: "The public can be reassured that we are prepared for a situation like this. Our containment strategy to use antivirals to slow the spread of the virus also appears to be effective, as well as reducing symptoms.

"But we cannot be complacent. We will continue to be vigilant to ensure we are well placed to deal with any emergency."

Two more cases of swine flu were confirmed in the Republic yesterday, bringing the total number of cases reported here so far to 11.

The new cases were confirmed by the Department of Health which provided no details on the new cases other than confirming they were not cases transmitted within the State.

On Friday the first case of "in-country transmission" was reported in an individual who had direct contact with a person previously identified as having influenza A (H1N1) after returning from a trip to New York.

The Department of Health has urged anyone with flu-like symptoms following recent travel or after being in contact with a person who had contracted influenza A (H1N1) to get in touch with their GP by telephone for advice.