A two-year-old child has become the latest victim of swine flu in Northern Ireland, it was announced today.
The infant had underlying health problems, health minister Michael McGimpsey said.
The death brings to 15 the number of people with the virus who have died in Northern Ireland. Another two people from the North have died elsewhere.
The minister said: "Sadly, we have been notified of the death of a two-year-old child who was confirmed as having swine flu.
"The child had underlying medical conditions. I would like to express my deepest sympathy to the family at this very sad time for them.
Last week, a child and a woman in the Republic died after contracting the virus, bringing to 22 the total number of deaths from the virus in this State.
The infection rate among children under four is more than double the general population. Rates of infection among children aged five to 14 are a fifth higher than the general population.
New infections fell by two-fifths the week before, with some 3,000 new cases.