Child tested for Swine Flu in Tralee

BREAKING NEWS:
A child being treated at Kerry General Hospital in Tralee has been tested for SWINE FLU after presenting with symptoms. It is understood the child had recently returned from the US and is now being treated in isolation at the hospital. Tests are being carried out to establish the nature of the illness. The HSE has confirmed it's investigating a suspected case of human swine flu at the hospital but insists that the case has NOT been confirmed. A result from the tests is expected later tonight. This comes hot on the heels of reported cases in counties Mayo and Roscommon. Minister for Health Mary Harney has said she is 'satisfied Ireland is completely prepared for a swine flu pandemic'; however with hospital resources stretched to the limit in many regional and urban hospitals, with ward closures, a lack of beds and personnel only time will tell if the Health Minister's comments are accurate. The World Health Organisation recently declared the outbreak of Swine Flu a global pandemic with over 74 countries have reported over 27,700 cases of the virus, including 141 deaths.