Web Posted: 04/25/2009 12:38 CDT Swine flu shuts down Steele High
State health officials have closed Steele High School in Cibolo, where two of eight U.S. cases of swine flu attended classes, to halt the spread of the new swine flu virus.
A third student has been listed as a probable case. All three suffered mild illness, with the third student still recovering.
?The purpose is to reduce the risk to students, staff and the community,? said Dr. Sandra Guerra, regional medical director for the Texas Department of State Health Services.
It was unclear how long the school might be closed. Saturday morning one official said at least a week, but health officials were conferring throughout the day.
Health officials also are recommending public gatherings in Guadalupe County be postponed. Bexar County was not included in the recommendations, despite the proximity to San Antonio of the cases.
Anyone with flu like illness and members of their household should stay home and avoid close contact with others, officials said.
Guerra said students should avoid contact with one another while school is out, which ?would defeat the purpose? of closing the school to interrupt the spread of the new virus, which has killed as many as 60 people in Mexico and sickened hundreds.
Extracurricular activities at the school have also been cancelled.
State health officials have closed Steele High School in Cibolo, where two of eight U.S. cases of swine flu attended classes, to halt the spread of the new swine flu virus.
A third student has been listed as a probable case. All three suffered mild illness, with the third student still recovering.
?The purpose is to reduce the risk to students, staff and the community,? said Dr. Sandra Guerra, regional medical director for the Texas Department of State Health Services.
It was unclear how long the school might be closed. Saturday morning one official said at least a week, but health officials were conferring throughout the day.
Health officials also are recommending public gatherings in Guadalupe County be postponed. Bexar County was not included in the recommendations, despite the proximity to San Antonio of the cases.
Anyone with flu like illness and members of their household should stay home and avoid close contact with others, officials said.
Guerra said students should avoid contact with one another while school is out, which ?would defeat the purpose? of closing the school to interrupt the spread of the new virus, which has killed as many as 60 people in Mexico and sickened hundreds.
Extracurricular activities at the school have also been cancelled.
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