Three new cases of swine flu at Helvetia School

23 June 2009

Three new cases of swine flu related to last week’s incident have been confirmed at Helvetia House School, bringing the total number of cases in Jersey to six.

All six confirmed cases to date have made a good recovery.

A case of swine flu was confirmed at Helvetia School last Thursday (18 June 2009). It was closed on Friday 19 June and Monday 22 June but re-opened this morning.

Consultant Microbiologist, Dr Ivan Muscat, said: “All three cases had been prescribed Tamiflu and have made a good recovery. The patients do not have any symptoms and have returned to the school. Everyone at Helvetia has already been prescribed Tamiflu as a precaution following last week’s events. Pupils and teachers who do not have any flu symptoms can go to school as normal as long as they continue taking their course of Tamiflu. “

The Department for Education, Sport and Culture has confirmed that Helvetia House School will continue to remain open as normal.

Deputy Medical Officer of Health, Dr Susan Turnbull, said: “We would like to reassure parents, children and everyone else in Jersey that we are continuing to monitor the situation closely and working with the Education, Sport and Culture Department. It is very important that anyone unwell with fever (temperature 38 degrees or more) and flu symptoms stays at home and calls their GP for a home visit. Remember that home visits under these circumstances cost no more than a surgery visit, under the new special payment regulations passed past month in the States”

The Flu helpline, which provides general information for the public, is open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm and the number to call is 445566. Anyone needing medical advice will need to contact their GP.