SWINE FLU CLAIMS LIFE IN ROTHERHAM

A CHILD from Rotherham is among three people killed by swine flu in South Yorkshire.

This week health experts confirmed that the virus was a "contributory factor" in the death of the youngster as well as that of another child and an adult from Sheffield.

It was stressed, however, that the bug would take the form of no more than a "mild illness" for most sufferers.

Jeremy Wight, director of public health for NHS Sheffield, said: "It is with sadness that we can confirm that there have been three deaths in South Yorkshire, for which tests have shown that swine flu was a contributory factor.

"All were in groups that have a high risk of complications if they get swine flu.

"Our advice remains the same. For most people this is a mild illness and they should start to feel better after a few days without needing to visit the GP or go to A&E."

So far 20 Rotherham residents—from a total of 83 for the whole of South Yorkshire—have been treated in hospital for swine flu to date.

Anyone with concerns about swine flu should contact the National Pandemic Flu Service on 0800 1513 100 or 0800 1513 200 or visit www.direct.gov.uk/pandemicflu