Swine Flu outbreak in the Rotunda

The Rotunda Hospital in Dublin has introduced visitor restrictions with immediate effect, following an outbreak of swine flu.

It is understood that five pregnant women at the hospital have contracted the illness. The hospital is investigating whether the women had the H1N1 virus before they were admitted or whether they caught it in the hospital.

"Visiting is restricted to the partner (or one nominated visitor) of expectant/new mothers and gynaecology inpatients and to the parents of infants in the Neonatal Unit. No children should be brought into the hospital," a spokesperson said.

Outpatient clinics will run as normal.

Meanwhile, the hospital's master, Dr Sam Coulter Smith, urged all pregnant women to get the seasonal flu vaccine if they have not done so already. This year's seasonal vaccine also protects against swine flu.

He added that the five affected women were recovering well and no babies have so far been infected.

The HSE launched its seasonal flu vaccine campaign in October, urging all at risk groups, including pregnant women and those who have recently given birth, to get vaccinated.

The Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists also urged pregnant women to get vaccinated. It noted that during the 2009 swine flu pandemic, pregnant women and those who had given birth within the previous six weeks were at a higher risk of complications from the virus.

Pregnant women who contracted swine flu were also more likely to require hospitalisation and admission to intensive care units. There was also a risk of adverse perinatal outcomes and delivery complications.