Updated 9.56pm
A SECOND CORK hospital today confirmed a case of swine flu, and has put measures in place to minimise the risk of the infection spreading.
Mercy University Hospital said that it has one confirmed case of swine flu (Influenza H1N1), which follows the news last week that one case of the infection was confirmed at Cork University Hospital.
At MUH, there are also two cases of influenza, and these patients have not contracted the H1N1 strain.
The hospital said that it has put control measures in place to minimise the risk of the infection spreading.
Visiting the hospital
Family and friends are being asked not to visit the hospital in the meantime, and only one named visitor is allowed per patient per day. No children are allowed.
Visitors are asked to keep to visiting times at MUH, which are 2-4pm and 6.30-8.30pm.
Anybody with flu-like symptoms is asked to contact their GP first before presenting at MUH’s emergency department. Outpatient clinics are open as normal.
H1N1 is known as the ‘swine flu’ as it was first detected in pigs. It was responsible for a flu pandemic in 2009/2010. However, microbiologists say the current wave of influenza is not at pandemic levels, noted MUH.
The H1N1 strain is one of three flu strains that the seasonal flu jab protects against, and the jab is available free of charge from GPs for people in at-risk groups.
First published 10.31am.
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