Mayo hospital dealing with swine flu cases

INFECTION control measures have been put in place following the confirmation of a number of cases of swine flu at Mayo University Hospital (MUH). 

Parents in Mayo are being urged to be on the alert for symptoms of swine flu following the confirmation of a number of cases at the centre.

Swine flu has been circulating widely this winter throughout Ireland and, nationally, has already led to six deaths over recent months.

A spokesman for the hospital said that over the past few weeks there has been an increase in patients presenting to the hospital with complications associated with flu, which would include the H1N1 (swine flu) virus.

“All infection control measures have been taken,” the spokesman stated.

It is understood these measures include the placing of those affected - patients of all ages - in isolation areas.

Nationally, since January, a number of cases of swine flu, mostly affecting children in the five to 14 years age group, have been reported.

One of those affected, a five-year-old boy from Co. Leitrim, tragically died in Our Lady’s Hospital, Crumlin.

He had no pre-existing illness.