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Fall in swine flu cases continues | Fall in swine flu cases continues |
(10 minutes later) | |
Swine flu cases are continuing to fall as the second peak of the pandemic seems to be coming to an end. | Swine flu cases are continuing to fall as the second peak of the pandemic seems to be coming to an end. |
In England, there were 9,000 new infections last week down from 11,000 the week before, while in Scotland it has dipped under 8,000. | In England, there were 9,000 new infections last week down from 11,000 the week before, while in Scotland it has dipped under 8,000. |
Numbers in Northern Ireland and Wales are even lower, meaning the levels of flu being seen are what would be expected during an average winter. | |
But experts are still warning cases could rise in the future. | But experts are still warning cases could rise in the future. |
Flu first peaked in July when there were more than 100,000 cases a week across the UK. | |
The second peak during the autumn did not reach such a figure, but it was characterised by high numbers in hospital - at some points there were as many as 1,000. | |
The latest data also showed a rise in the death toll, which has now reached 299 in the UK. | |
But for most the virus remains relatively mild. | But for most the virus remains relatively mild. |
Last week, a study into deaths by chief medical officer Sir Liam Donaldson suggested the death rate was just 0.026% among those infected. | Last week, a study into deaths by chief medical officer Sir Liam Donaldson suggested the death rate was just 0.026% among those infected. |
He concluded the first pandemic of the 21st century has been "considerably less lethal than feared". | He concluded the first pandemic of the 21st century has been "considerably less lethal than feared". |