Suspected swine flu outbreak in Houghton Regis
No need for alarm, says health chief
Suspected swine flu has been reported in Houghton Regis, with five possible cases among children at schools in the town.
That was the total of potential cases reported by Central Beds Council up to Tuesday, June 30.
But a council spokesman said that the Health Protection Agency (HPA) had not yet confirmed that the virus had been contracted by the children who had fallen ill.
According to the council, Hawthorn Park Lower School has had three suspected cases, two in the nursery and one involving an older child.
There have been two suspected cases at St Vincent's Primary Catholic School.
Both schools are remaining open, although Hawthorn Park has closed down its nursery unit, which is expected to re-open on Thursday, July 2.
Muriel Scott, acting director of public health for NHS Bedfordshire has said that there is no need for members of the public to be unduly alarmed about swine flu.
"Symptoms of the virus have so far been mild in the vast majority of patients and they are generally making a speedy recovery," she said.
"Our advice for anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms is to stay at home and contact their GP or NHS Direct on 0845 4647."
People with flu-like symptoms are being asked not to turn up at accident and emergency departments.
She explained: "A&E departments are currently experiencing a very busy period, particularly with the current heatwave. Patients turning up with flu-like symptoms would add to this pressure and also increase the risk of spreading the virus to other members of the public."
Schools have been provided with information and advice to give to parents and guardians, and further information can be found at www.nhs.uk or by contacting the national swine flu information line on 0800 1513513.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Luton
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 11 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Sunny spells
Temperature: 11 C to 25 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: North east
