11 September 2009
A student at Beaulieu School has been confirmed as having swine flu. A pupil at La Moye School is unwell and has been tested for swine flu after having been in contact with a confirmed case of the virus.
La Moye School and Beaulieu School have not been closed. Parents of children in the same class as the pupils have been informed. Consultant microbiologist, Ivan Muscat, and a team from the Public Health department will be at the schools this afternoon to advise parents and to offer their children the anti-viral drug, Tamiflu, as a precautionary measure.
Deputy Medical Officer of Health, Dr Susan Turnbull, said: “As we still have very small numbers of cases in the Island, Tamiflu is being used to help contain the spread of infection. The situation is being constantly monitored for any changes.”
Director of Education, Mario Lundy, said: “We would like to reassure parents that we are working closely with the Public Health Department, and will continue to do so to ensure that health considerations are at the fore in the management of this situation.”
Anyone who has a fever of 38ºC or more and with 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.
gov.je