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Summer camps take Swine
Flu precautions
Hand washing breaks will be worked into activities
Updated: Wednesday, 24 Jun 2009, 7:15 PM EDT Published : Wednesday, 24 Jun 2009, 7:15 PM EDT
Lorey Schultz
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Rising concerns over Swine Flu have forced the Muscular Dystrophy Association to cancel it's summer camps.
What will other area camps do?
Summer fun at camp is already underway for Stephanie Froebel of Amherst. Yet, her mom is well aware that scrapes and bruises might not be the only health problem she needs to worry about.
News 4's Lorey Schultz asked her how concerned she is about the potential for Swine Flu.
Doctor Jennifer Froebel said, "Very concerned, but like any parent you wash their hands, watch what they eat; a healthy diet. You can't let it rule your summer."
Public health officials continue to warn summer camp counselors to keep an eye out for sick children.
While the H1N1 virus isn't a problem in area camps so far, Swine Flu has already spread through dozens of camps across the country. The threat prompted the Muscular Dystrophy Association to cancel it's summer camps, including the one near Rochester.
Saturday, the flu claimed it's first victim locally, 15-year-old Matthew Davis.
Extra precautions are now in place at the Northeast YMCA and it's 17 other camps.
YMCA of Buffalo Niagara Director of Operations Rob Walker said, "What we do is keep an eye on child while they're here for these symptoms. Certainly this year, we'll be prudent on hand washing and safe cough in the elbow; that type of thing."
Hand washing breaks will be worked into activities. Any child showing signs of the virus will be asked to stay home.
Walker said, "Our job is to keep kids safe at camp, and we're taking steps to do that."
The Erie County Health Department continues to aggressively test, primarily to track the location of the virus. To date, there are 209 confirmed cases of Swine Flu in Erie County.
The Gloria Parks Community Center will welcome 30 children to camp next week.
Reminders to 'wash hands' are everywhere.
Gloria Parks Community Center Executive Director Roseann Scibilia said, "We're as prepared as we can be. Again it's being vigilant, watching and not taking anything lightly, and also asking parents to do the same. Please don't send children if if they're sick."
News 4 has been in touch with many of the other area private and religious camps, including Camp Turner and Park Camp of Buffalo.
Aside from the Muscular Dystrophy Camp in the Rochester area, the others plan to open in the next few weeks with extra precautions and medical screenings in place.
http://www.wivb.com/dpp/news/summer_camps_take_swine_flu_precautions_090624
Hand washing breaks will be worked into activities
Updated: Wednesday, 24 Jun 2009, 7:15 PM EDT Published : Wednesday, 24 Jun 2009, 7:15 PM EDT
Lorey Schultz
BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Rising concerns over Swine Flu have forced the Muscular Dystrophy Association to cancel it's summer camps.
What will other area camps do?
Summer fun at camp is already underway for Stephanie Froebel of Amherst. Yet, her mom is well aware that scrapes and bruises might not be the only health problem she needs to worry about.
News 4's Lorey Schultz asked her how concerned she is about the potential for Swine Flu.
Doctor Jennifer Froebel said, "Very concerned, but like any parent you wash their hands, watch what they eat; a healthy diet. You can't let it rule your summer."
Public health officials continue to warn summer camp counselors to keep an eye out for sick children.
While the H1N1 virus isn't a problem in area camps so far, Swine Flu has already spread through dozens of camps across the country. The threat prompted the Muscular Dystrophy Association to cancel it's summer camps, including the one near Rochester.
Saturday, the flu claimed it's first victim locally, 15-year-old Matthew Davis.
Extra precautions are now in place at the Northeast YMCA and it's 17 other camps.
YMCA of Buffalo Niagara Director of Operations Rob Walker said, "What we do is keep an eye on child while they're here for these symptoms. Certainly this year, we'll be prudent on hand washing and safe cough in the elbow; that type of thing."
Hand washing breaks will be worked into activities. Any child showing signs of the virus will be asked to stay home.
Walker said, "Our job is to keep kids safe at camp, and we're taking steps to do that."
The Erie County Health Department continues to aggressively test, primarily to track the location of the virus. To date, there are 209 confirmed cases of Swine Flu in Erie County.
The Gloria Parks Community Center will welcome 30 children to camp next week.
Reminders to 'wash hands' are everywhere.
Gloria Parks Community Center Executive Director Roseann Scibilia said, "We're as prepared as we can be. Again it's being vigilant, watching and not taking anything lightly, and also asking parents to do the same. Please don't send children if if they're sick."
News 4 has been in touch with many of the other area private and religious camps, including Camp Turner and Park Camp of Buffalo.
Aside from the Muscular Dystrophy Camp in the Rochester area, the others plan to open in the next few weeks with extra precautions and medical screenings in place.
http://www.wivb.com/dpp/news/summer_camps_take_swine_flu_precautions_090624