A dramatic fivefold increase in the number of influenza patients in the Mid-West is contributing to high levels of overcrowding at University Hospital Limerick (UHL) where 122 patients were waiting for a bed on Monday.
Public Health HSE Mid West is appealing to people to stay at home if they are feeling unwell.
Since Sunday, December 29, at least 396 ’flu cases have been recorded in the Mid-West region, the highest weekly incidence this season.
For more on this story and all the latest news from the Banner County, pick up this week’s Clare Champion or view our digital edition which is available HERE.
East Clare correspondent, Dan Danaher is a journalism graduate of Rathmines and UL. He has won numerous awards for special investigations on health, justice, environment, and reports on news, agriculture, disability, mental health and community.