Student confirmed with swine flu

16 September 2009

A student from Les Quennevais School has been confirmed as having swine flu and another pupil at the same school is unwell and being tested for the virus.

Les Quennevais School remains open as normal and parents of children in the same class as the pupils are being informed by letter and phone. Staff from the school and Public Health will be available from 4.30 to 6 pm on Wednesday 16 September 2009 and again on Thursday 17 September 2009 to offer advice. As a precautionary measure, they will also be offering the anti-viral drug, Tamiflu, for the children who have been in direct contact with the two affected students.

Medical Officer of Health, Dr Rosemary Geller, said: “Tamiflu is being used to help contain the spread of infection and the numbers of confirmed cases of swine flu in the Island are still very low. It is important, however, that we keep the situation under constant review.”

Anyone who has a fever of 38ºC or more and symptoms including a cough, sore throat, headaches or joint pain should call their GP’s surgery. Staff there will be able to tell you about their arrangements for flu patients. It is important that people do not go to A&E or direct to their GP’s surgery as this risks spreading the virus into the hospital.

The flu helpline, which provides general information, is open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm. The number to call is 445566. Anyone needing medical advice should call their GP.

You can also e-mail your questions to publichealth@health.gov.je or visit http://www.gov.je/flu