http://www.grandforksherald.com/event/article/id/133445/
September 14 2009
GF student back in school after H1N1
A Grand Forks high school student was back in school Monday after a brief bout with the H1N1 virus, the first confirmed student case of the so-called swine flu locally since classes resumed Aug. 27.
By: Chuck Haga, Grand Forks Herald
A Grand Forks high school student was back in school Monday after a brief bout with the H1N1 virus, the first confirmed student case of the so-called swine flu locally since classes resumed Aug. 27.
Assistant Supt. Jody Thompson said the unidentified student became ill last week with flu-like symptoms.
“Fortunately, the parents did all that we ask in such a situation,” Thompson said. “They kept the student out until 24 hours after the fever subsided.
“The mom reported that it was not a severe case. She said the symptoms were less than what (the student) normally has with seasonal flu.”
Thompson said the student’s case “is the only one I’m aware of” involving H1N1 in the district this fall, though other students who have left school or been held out at some point in the past three weeks may have included some infected with the H1N1 virus.
All illnesses with flu-like symptoms are considered potential cases of swine flu, but not all are tested specifically for the virus, he said. In the case of the high school student, a test was done and submitted to health officials in Bismarck, who confirmed the presence of the H1N1 virus.
The short duration and lack of severity in that case was reassuring, Thompson said.
“The reality is that we know adults and children in Grand Forks have had H1N1 this summer,” he said. Now, with school starting and kids getting together in large numbers, “we know we have to monitor the situation closely.”
In consultation with local health officials and with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, the school district has taken steps to minimize the impact of the disease, he said. That includes a new computer tracking system meant to provide early warning of spikes in absenteeism that could indicate H1N1 outbreaks at individual schools.
Reach Haga at (701) 780-1102; (800) 477-6572, ext. 102; or send e-mail to chaga@gfherald.com.
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http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601124&sid=aG.qKHeqAsi4
Scotland:
Swine flu victim speaks of ordeal
Page last updated at 23:37 GMT, Tuesday, 15 September 2009 00:37 UK
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/8257686.stm
A pregnant Scottish woman who had to be flown to Sweden for life-saving treatment for swine flu has spoken for the first time of her ordeal.