Swine flu cases confirmed in Hampstead Garden Suburb schools (From Times Series)

Swine flu cases confirmed in Hampstead Garden Suburb schools

4:08pm Wednesday 17th June 2009 in

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AN outbreak of swine flu has been confirmed at two schools in the borough.

Doctors said on Monday that pupils and staff at Garden Suburb Infants and Garden Suburb Junior schools, in Childs Way, Hampstead Garden Suburb, were reporting symptoms of the virus.

But it had been confirmed that six children have tested positive for the influenza A (H1N1) strain of the virus and the decision has been taken to close the school until next Wednesday to help limit the spread.

More than 140 pupils and staff at the schools are reported as having viral type illnesses, although doctors said the indications were that the symptoms of all those affected have been mild.

Dr Andrew Burnett, director of health improvement and medical director for NHS Barnet, said the school is working closely with the Health Protection Agency (HPA) to carry out the appropriate action, but reminded residents not connected to the school that unless they have flu-like symptoms or have been advised otherwise by the HPA, there is no need to stop normal everyday activities, such as going to work or school.

He said: “Although many people will be concerned about what is happening nationally, this local situation shows that for many this is a very mild, short lived and self limited illness.

“We also urge people to help prevent the spread of infection by using tissues to catch all sneezes, throwing used tissues away, and remembering to regularly wash their hands to kill the virus.”

The pupils were being swab tested for the virus this week although those who have tested positive are said to be recovering quickly.

Dr. Burnett told Barnet Council's health overview and scrutiny committee on Monday that hospitals had been told carry out swift diagnosis on anyone reporting the symptoms.

“We have told Barnet GPs and the A and Es at Barnet hospital and the Royal Free Hospital to be aware of this and I have requested a low threshold of suspicion, asking them to take swabs for viral contamination from children and staff members they think may have a viral infection that warrants investigation,” he said.

The council as the local education authority chose to close the school because of difficulties in ensuring adequate adult supervision for children.

Councillor Fiona Bulmer, cabinet member for children's services said parents are now being informed of the closure and planned date to reopen.

She said: "Our issue is the number of pupils who seem to have gone down with flu rather than the severity.

“It is worth stressing that this seems to a mild virus and the children who have caught appear to be recovering quickly.

"The council has been working with NHS Barnet on plans for a potential flu outbreak. We have no plans at the moment to close any other schools in the borough."

Further information and advice on dealing with swine flu can be found at www.barnet.gov.uk and www.direct.gov.uk/swineflu Parents concerned about their child's health should contact NHS Direct on 0845 46 47, the swine flu information line on 0800 1513 513 or telephone their GP surgery for advice.