Elderly man with swine flu dies

The Department of Health said people should remain vigilant

A 92-year-old man who had swine flu has died.

The man had underlying medical conditions and his death was announced in the Department of Health's weekly swine flu update.

Health Minister Michael McGimpsey expressed his "sincere sympathy" to the man's family.

To date, 18 people from Northern Ireland who had swine flu have died. Sixteen of them died in NI, one in England and one in Spain.

Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr Paddy Woods said swine flu was not circulating as widely as in previous weeks.

"It is, however, still with us and I would encourage everyone to remain vigilant," he said.

"The public continues to have a major role to play in this pandemic, not only looking after themselves, but those they come in contact with by getting the vaccine when it is offered to them.

"It is the best way for people to be protected against swine flu."