Toll rises as another Scottish swine flu death is confirmed

HEALTH officials today confirmed that another patient has died after contracting swine flu, bringing the total number of H1N1-related deaths in Scotland to 31.

The adult patient from NHS Ayrshire and Arran was said to have significant underlying health conditions.

No further details were released.

Health Secretary Nicola Sturgeon said: "It is with regret I need to confirm another H1N1 fatality. I send my condolences to the patient's family and loved ones.

"A rise in influenza cases is to be expected as we enter the winter months but fortunately, for most, H1N1 is mild and symptoms shouldn't persist longer than a week."

Ms Sturgeon said people should "remain vigilant" and maintain hygiene standards.

She added: "The roll out of the vaccination programme is now under way, and I urge everyone who is in the priority groups to accept the vaccine, when invited to do so by their GP.

Three deaths in the Glasgow and Ayrshire areas were announced over the weekend and the death of an elderly person from the NHS Fife area was announced on Monday.