More schools report swine flu
15:30, 09 July 2009
updated: 15:30, 09 July 2009
Two more schools in Medway have reported presumed cases of swine flu and one has closed for the day.
Allhallows Primary School in Avery Way, Allhallows, and The Hundred of Hoo School, in Main Road, Hoo, are the latest to be affected.
The latest cases means at least five schools have reported cases of the virus.
The Hundred of Hoo School sent texts out to parents to inform them about the outbreak, but have decided to stay open.
Allhallows school closed today, Thursday, but is hoping to reopen tomorrow.
Parents of pupils at St Mary’s Island Primary School, in Chatham Maritime, were sent letters on Monday, July 6 to inform them that a pupil has the infection.
The school will remain open as the Health Protection Agency (HPA) advises.
Two schools in Medway reported cases last week: St Andrew’s in Watts Avenue, Rochester and St Mary’s Catholic Primary, Greenfield Road, Gillingham.
A spokesman for NHS Medway said the national guidance now is that lab testing has now stopped and that it does not have information on all individual cases now.
Advice from the HPA is that schools are now advised to stay open as it does not make a difference because the virus is circulating in the community.
If you have ‘flu-like symptoms, stay at home, and if you feel really unwell, see your GP for treatment.
A Medway Council spokesman said: “Allhallows Primary school, in Rochester , closed this morning after a parent reported a case of suspected swine flu.
“The Health Protection Agency guidance is that school’s should remain open if there are isolated suspected cases and it will reopen tomorrow morning.
“We would recommend that if a parent believes their child is showing symptoms they should check these symptoms online by visiting www.nhs.uk or by calling the Swine Flu Information Line on 0800 1 513 513. If they are still concerned they should keep their child at home and call their GP.”