3 More Schools Investigating Swine Flu Cases

[Pathfinder]

3 More Schools Investigating Swine Flu Cases

Last Update: 8/29 6:53 pm

At least three more Tri-State schools now have possible cases the H1N1 virus, also known as the swine flu.

Walnut Hills and Loveland high schools each have a possible case, while Campbell County Middle School has a confirmed case.

9News was able to confirm on Saturday that one student at Walnut Hills High School has what school officials are calling "a presumptive case of H1N1 flu."

Although not fully confirmed through testing, the possibility of H1N1 was strong enough for Walnut Hills to send the student home this week, and re-clean the classrooms and other areas the student frequently used.

Word of the new potential swine flu case comes as 9News caught up with the Walnut Hills High School marching band practicing on a field at the school on Saturday.

Parents say they all got telephone messages from Walnut Hills principal Jeff Brokamp about the "presumptive" case of swine flu.

The parents say they are satisfied with how Walnut Hills is handling suspected flu cases and are not worried about the health of their children. Amy Forester, a parent of a Walnut Hills student, says, "I've heard there are certain groups are more susceptible to this new virus. But both my children have pretty strong immune systems. Even with that, I've been urging them to take more Vitamin C and wash their hands more often. I feel that's a good strategy, sure."

Campbell County Middle School also said this week it had least one confirmed case of the swine flu. Other scattered cases were reported in Boone County Schools.

Meanwhile, at Xavier University, several dozen students are now believed to be under quarantine in the basement of the school's Alumni Center, waiting for their fevers to break.

Walnut Hills High School, Loveland High School and Campbell County Middle School all say they are working closely with their respective health departments to not only monitor flu illnesses among students and staff, but also making sure they are taking all the necessary precautions to protect other students.

A spokeswoman for Cincinnati Public Schools says they are calling flu cases, 'presumptive H1N1' whenever they have a student with flu like systems and a fever. CPS says since it is months before the normal seasonal flu season starts in the Tri-State, they feel there is a good chance these cases will turn out to be H1N1.

CPS students who have flu-like symptoms and a fever are being asked to stay home to recover, and then wait for 24 hours after their fevers break before trying to return to classes.


http://www.kypost.com/news/local/st...g-Swine-Flu-Cases/w_y9ROpBgkeIfGYnybga6A.cspx

 

[sbrooks]

Re: 3 More Schools Investigating Swine Flu Cases

This is right in my back yard, especially interesting is the statement from the
article:

"Meanwhile, at Xavier University, several dozen students are now believed to be under quarantine in the basement of the school's Alumni Center, waiting for their fevers to break."

Interestingly a charge nurse at a Cinci hospital, in confidence, mentioned
3 pregnant women on vents. I have no reason to doubt her...

 

[Pathfinder]

Re: 3 More Schools Investigating Swine Flu Cases

H1N1 virus confirmed in high school student
September 2, 2009

MOUNT VERNON ? The Knox County Health Department has been notified of another confirmed case of the H1N1 virus in Knox County. This time, the affected individual was a high school student, who has since recovered from the illness and returned to school. The notification came from a local doctor?s office.

?Since the Ohio Department of Health has tightened its requirements for testing, many doctors are sending suspected cases to commercial labs for testing,? said Health Commissioner Dennis Murray. ?Such was the situation with this case, which appears to be isolated. It looks as though no other students or close contacts were affected.?

When someone has flulike symptoms and they visit their doctor, they are tested for influenza, explained Murray. If the sample comes back positive for Influenza A, it is then sent for further testing to determine if it is H1N1. In the meantime, the individual is given anti-viral medication and told to stay home and limit contact with others. Usually, by the time the lab results return, the individual has recovered from the illness and can return to school or work.

?Based on what is happening in other parts of the country, we expect to see more cases of the H1N1 in Knox County,? said Murray. ?Until a vaccine is made available, we encourage everyone to practice good health behaviors, including covering their cough, washing their hands and staying home when sick.?

The H1N1 flu has similar symptoms to seasonal flu including fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. A significant number of people who have been infected with this virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting. H1N1 is also characterized by a high fever (100 degrees or higher) and a severe headache.

?Because this strain of H1N1 is much milder than expected, most healthy people who become infected with the virus will recover,? said Murray. ?However, it is much more serious for youth, pregnant women and those with chronic health conditions. Therefore, if you are in one of those categories and you have flulike symptoms, we suggest you see your doctor.?

A vaccine for H1N1 is not expected to be available until late October. Although there is expected to be no shortage of the vaccine, the total amount needed for each community will not arrive at one time. Instead, it will arrive in several shipments between late October and the end of the year.

When the first vaccine shipments arrive, they will be used for the most affected groups of people: pregnant women, children, ages 6 months through 24 years of age, and individuals with chronic health conditions. The vaccine will also be made available to health care workers, as it will be important for those who are taking care of others, to remain healthy themselves.

For more information, visit the health department?s Web site at www.knoxhealth.com. Click on the What?s New button on the left side and then click on H1N1 Information.


http://www.mountvernonnews.com/local/09/09/02/h1n1-virus-confirmed-in-high-school-student