It has been stated by the Public Health Agency, PHA that in Northern Ireland swine flu last week claimed two lives.

Reports state that there has been a decline in the number of new cases. In the second week of this month the total number of confirmed cases were 86 but last week the cases reported were 41, which shows the decline.

There are underlying health problems among 20 people and total deaths due to swine flu were 23.

Dr Maureen McCartney, consultant in health protection at the PHA, said, “It is reassuring that the number of new flu cases per week has once again more than halved. If the current trend continues, swine flu has passed its peak.”

Yesterday, for flu-like illness, out of 75 adult critical care patients about 12 were being treated.

Dr Maureen added that due to swine flu there has been no cancellation in routine surgery in the past week as compared to the situation last week, there has been some improvement.

“Accident and emergency departments and primary care services are coping,” she said.

Dr Liz Reaney, Department of Health senior medical officer, extended sympathies to families that lost loved ones due to the flu.