Health officials have warned that more people will be hospitalised as a result of human swine flu after the State's first fatality from the infection was confirmed yesterday.
The woman, from the west of Ireland, was the first person to die from H1N1 in Ireland. She died at Tallaght hospital in Dublin yesterday and is understood to have contracted the virus in the community.
Deputy chief medical officer at the Department of Health and Children Dr John Devlin said yesterday the she had “an underlying condition”. That condition is understood to be cystic fibrosis.
She was identified today as Darina Calpin. Ms Calpin's family said they were issuing a statement today due to the fact that "one media outlet" had not respected their request for privacy.
In a statement issued through the office of the chief executive of Tallaght hospital, the family said they were "shocked and devastated by the tragic death of a beloved daughter and sister".
"Darina was a beautiful lady with a zest for life. She was courageous and determined. She had a great talent for and love of music and she enjoyed life with her family and friends.
"The family are grateful for the support, love and prayers of their wider family, friends and their local community in Sligo. The family are also grateful to the staff of Tallaght Hospital for the care they gave Darina."
The family renewed their appeal for "privacy during this very difficult and sad time and particularly appealing for the media not to attend the funeral".
Dr Devlin said yesterday he expected the number of cases to continue to increase and further hospitalisation to take place.
Earlier this week, the Department of Health said the number of cases of the virus here had “stabilised” following an almost three-fold increase from 12.5 to 37 cases per 100,000 the previous week.
Dr Pat Doorley, national director of population health with the HSE, yesterday said international experience was that people with underlying illnesses could be at higher risk of developing more severe symptoms, as was the case for the woman who died yesterday.
He said: “It is a sad day and an unfortunate development in the pandemic flu in Ireland.”
However, Dr Doorley said most people who contracted swine flu would recover well at home by looking after themselves and would not even need to call a doctor.
“While it is a tragedy, the public should be assured that in the vast majority of cases the flu virus causes a mild to moderate illness.”
Tallaght hospital said its influenza pandemic flu committee had put in place all necessary measures to ensure the safety of both other patients and staff within the hospital.
“All national protocols have been followed in regards to this matter.”
It said it was continuing to work in conjunction with the Department of Health and the HSE in relation to the issue.
Six students from schools across Northern Ireland were the latest to contract the virus, after attending an Irish language college in Donegal. They were today recovering at home.
The teenagers were part of a group of 300 attending Colaiste Mhuire Loch an Iuir in west Donegal.
Management said the small outbreak of H1N1 at the site is being monitored by the medical and public health authorities. The parents of the students who contracted swine flu were contacted and the students have returned home.
College authorities have also been given permission to continue the Irish language course until it is scheduled to end on August 20th. Teacher Daithi O’Muiri said staff were handling the situation in a very responsible and safe way.
“We are following the guidelines and advice that has been given to us by the medical and public health authorities in north west Donegal,” said Mr O’Muiri.
“Anybody presenting with symptoms or anyone worried that perhaps they are suffering from influenza A can visit the college nurse and will be checked out.
“And if it escalates or becomes more serious we will take the steps that are necessary.”
About 1,400 new cases of swine flu are emerging every week, with 70 per cent involving people under the age of 30.
The majority are also believed to have contracted the virus in the country. To date some 27 people have been admitted to hospital with the virus.
Additional reporting: PA