Teenage swine flu sufferer dies

The teenager had been diagnosed with the H1N1 virus

A 15-year-old girl has become the fourth person with swine flu to die in Scotland, it has been confirmed.

The teenager, who was suffering from the H1N1 virus, was admitted to the Royal Hospital for Sick Children at Yorkhill, Glasgow, a week ago.

The death of the youngster, who had underlying medical conditions, has brought the number of deaths among UK swine flu sufferers to 30.

Ministers said there was no cause for general alarm following the death.

Scottish Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said: "The tragic death of this young girl is devastating for her family and friends, and I'd like to express my sincere condolences."

She added: "As we have seen in previous cases, this patient was suffering from underlying health conditions and her death should not cause alarm among the general population.

"Fortunately, for the vast majority of people who have H1N1, they will experience relatively mild symptoms and make a full recovery."

'Low' rates

The health secretary said while the virus was continuing to circulate, the rates in Scotland remained relatively low.

The girl is the youngest swine flu sufferer to have died in Scotland and her family have requested that no further details be released.

The first fatality was Jacqui Fleming, 38, from Glasgow, who died shortly after giving birth prematurely.

A 73-year-old man died last month, and a 60-year-old tourist died in hospital in Inverness last week.

The latest death came after the Scottish Government called on UK ministers to make extra cash available for swine flu vaccinations.

Holyrood ministers said money would be found to fund a vaccination programme in Scotland - but has pressed the Treasury for contingency funds - warning that cuts could have to be made if the vaccination programme had to be funded from the Scottish budget.

The Treasury has pointed out that that health budgets were devolved to Scotland.