The Public Health Agency has urged people to take sensible precautions to help prevent the spread of the virus
Related stories
The Department of Health has confirmed that a two-year-old boy who was suffering from swine flu has died.
It is not yet known if the child, who was from the Irish Republic but was being treated in NI, had an underlying health condition.
The health minister has offered his condolences to the boy’s family.
Eighteen people have died in NI after suffering from the H1N1 virus. Two of those who have died have been confirmed to have had no underlying condition.
Vaccines against the virus are currently only available to people in certain at risk groups.
The health minister, Michael McGimpsey, said he understood the news might heighten public anxiety particularly among parents of young children.
He added: “I have recently spoken to other UK health ministers about Northern Ireland’s current flu picture. I have also spoken to Mary Harney, the Republic of Ireland’s Health Minister.
“In addition, I have consulted with the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation about the particular circumstances here.
“They do not recommend extending the vaccination programme beyond the current at risk groups.”
During the pandemic last year, 19 people died from the H1N1 virus, all but one of whom had an underlying condition.
The authorities were unable to establish whether the other victim, a pregnant woman, had an unknown underlying health problem which may have contributed to her death.
This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.
Holiday-makers in Tunisia have had their vacations cut short following Foreign Office advice against all but essential travel to the North African country.
This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.
Hong Kong’s Marco Fu comes from 4-1 down to beat Northern Ireland’s Mark Allen 6-4 and reach the Masters final at Wembley.
This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.
Residents in Dunblane have been erecting floodgates to protect their homes from flooding
Flood watches have been issued on rivers across Scotland after rain and melting snow caused waters to swell.
There has been localised flooding around Perth and Stirling as well as in Argyll and Bute and the Highlands.
Sepa said areas around the River Lyon and the River Earn in Perthshire may be badly affected, with surface water likely to make driving difficult.
The A85 was closed between Huntingtower and the A9 interchange near Perth due to flooding.
Drivers were being advised to follow a diversion via the A822.
This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.
Tanks have sealed off central parts of Tunis
Security has been stepped up in centre of the Tunisian capital, a day after President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali was forced from power by street protests.
Hundreds of troops are patrolling Tunis and a state of emergency is in force. Interim leader Mohammed Ghannouchi has said his priority is restoring order.
There were scenes of looting overnight in several areas, witnesses said.
Mr Ghannouchi said he would hold talks with opposition groups to try to form a unity government.
The main thoroughfare in Tunis, Avenue Bourguiba, was blocked off by troops after the lifting of an overnight curfew.
“There are a few people out and about, but the troubles will probably start later”
Zouhair Ben Jema Tunis resident
The streets are largely deserted, AFP news agency reported.
There have been reports of overnight looting in the city’s suburbs, with French-owned supermarkets among the properties targeted.
Tunis’ main train station was burnt down, AP news agency reported.
Resident Zouhair Ben Jemaa told the BBC: “We couldn’t sleep all night. We hear everything – the helicopters, the gunfire. It’s quiet now. There are a few people out and about, but the troubles will probably start later.”
However Tunis Carthage International Airport, which was closed amid Friday’s unrest, re-opened on Saturday. Hundreds of tourists and other foreigners have been trapped there.
The BBC’s Wyre Davies in Tunis says people are now waiting for some indication that the interim administration is prepared to bring in widespread economic and political changes.
Mr Ben Ali’s plane refuelled in Sardinia, before going on to Saudi Arabia
Late on Friday Mr Ghannouchi said his “absolute priority” was restoring security in the face of looting and robberies.
“We are at the service of the Tunisian people. Our country does not deserve everything that is happening. We must regain the trust of citizens in the government,” he said.
Mr Ben Ali, who had been in power for 23 years, boarded a plane with his family amid widespread speculation about his destination.
The French government rejected a request for his plane to land in the country. It refuelled on the Italian island of Sardinia and later landed in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
A Saudi palace statement said: “Out of concern for the exceptional circumstances facing the brotherly Tunisian people and in support of the security and stability of their country… the Saudi government has welcomed President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali and his family to the kingdom,” the statement said.
The 74-year-old leader conceded power after weeks of protests culminated in a giant rally against him in Tunis.
Dozens of people died as unrest swept the country and security forces cracked down on demonstrations over unemployment, food price rises and corruption.
The UK, the US and France are among the countries advising against non-essential travel to Tunisia.
Mr Ben Ali was only Tunisia’s second president since independence from France in 1956. He was last re-elected in 2009 with 89.62% of the vote.
This article is from the BBC News website. © British Broadcasting Corporation, The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites.
