Scots swine flu deaths toll climbs to 51 as virus claims three more lives
Health minister warns public to remain vigilant
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Scotland’s swine flu death toll rose to 51 last night after three more people were confirmed to have died with the virus.
The latest deaths included two adults who were treated by NHS Greater Glasgow and an older patient in the NHS Lothian area.
All three victims had underlying health conditions.
Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said: “This news is heartbreaking and my thoughts are with their families. The recent rise in H1N1 deaths is a harsh reminder that everyone must remain vigilant, especially during the winter months.
“I underline the importance of maintaining hygiene standards and urgently seeking medical advice if you are concerned about your symptoms or believe you are at greater risk of influenza complications.”
The deaths yesterday bring the toll for this week to four after the announcement on Monday that an adult, who also had underlying health conditions, in the NHS Ayrshire and Arran area had died.
Out of the 51 swine flu deaths, five have been in Fife, three in the Highlands and one in Grampian.
The majority of victims come from the Greater Glasgow and Clyde area, where there have been 19 reported deaths.
NHS Highland interim director of public health Dr Ken Oates yesterday said a rise in swine flu cases in the Highlands had peaked.
He also revealed the highest rates in the north had been in Inverness, Skye and Cowal and Bute.
Last month, it was announced that children aged over six months and under five years will be the next priority group to get the swine flu jab.
The age group will be prioritised after GPs have finished vaccinating at-risk groups, which include those aged six months to 65 with conditions like asthma, diabetes and heart disease.
Pregnant women and frontline health workers are also currently being given the jab.
Ms Sturgeon added: “The vaccination programme is progressing well and we remain firmly on track to have offered the vaccine to everybody in the first phase of the priority groups by Christmas.”
A hospital has apologised to a family after a baby with suspected swine flu was left in a car park for more than an hour while she was being assessed. The girl, thought to be just nine months old, was taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital at King’s Lynn, Norfolk, when she fell ill.
Staff thought she may have been suffering from swine flu so the baby was checked in her parents’ car for 70 minutes before she was allowed into the building. A spokesman said the incident has prompted a review and now all children under the age of two will be assessed in the hospital building.
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