Swine Flu confirmed in Gloucestershire

Pupils from a school in South Gloucestershire were given anti-viral drugs yesterday, after a 12-year-old girl was confirmed as having swine flu.

The Year 7 pupils at Downend school have been given Tamiflu as a precautionary measure and a letter has been sent to parents to advise them of the symptoms.

The girl tested positive for virus A H1N1, which is known as swine flu and is being treated at home where her condition is described as "well".

In a statement South Gloucestershire Council said: "The pupil concerned has recently returned from Mexico and her symptoms so far are mild. Precautionary steps have been taken to minimise the risk to pupils and staff, whose welfare is paramount.

"Antiviral drugs were issued to year seven students on Friday to reduce any possible spread of infection. The drugs will also be offered to teaching staff and pupils from other year groups who have had contact with the affected pupil.

"All involved have also been advised to contact their family doctor if they develop 'flu like symptoms within the next week and to stay at home. Expert advice suggests that no-one else in any other groups at the school needs to be treated."

On the advice of the Health Protection Agency (HPA), the school will be closed for a week as a precautionary measure.

 If you suspect you have swine flu and would like to get some more information call the National Swine Flu Information Line on 0800 1 513 513.

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