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Man with swine flu dies at Craigavon hospital

A man who contracted swine flu has died in Craigavon hospital.

It is understood the man had underlying health conditions to begin with.

The Irish News reported that two more people are in a critical condition in the same hospital.

SDLP assembly member Karen McKevitt said she had asked about swine flu cases during a meeting with senior management of the Southern health trust.

“I have since discovered that a man with underlying health conditions had died in Craigavon Hospital after contracting swine flu,” she said.

“And furthermore it now appears that there have been over 150 cases of swine flu across the north.

“This is clearly a serious public health concern and one which the trusts should be upfront about when tackling.

“The public must be reassured that they are not at any increased risk.”

Upper Bann MLA Sydney Anderson has expressed concern following the death.

The DUP MLA told Armagh I: “It is obviously worrying to hear that someone has died who has suffered from swine flu. Whilst it seems the man did suffer from other underlying health conditions it will obviously cause some degree of concern amongst the public.

“Whilst swine flu has not been in the headlines as it has been in previous years, such incidents highlight the importance of vaccination. The flu vaccination can protect against various strains of flu, including the H1N1 swine flu, and for vulnerable groups such as older people and those with other medical conditions it is vital they ensure they are protected.

“My thoughts are with the family of the man who passed away in Craigavon, and it is vital that the importance of vaccinations are highlighted as a simple procedure could help prevent other deaths caused by swine flu.”

The man’s death last week follows that of a child in the Republic.

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