MEOPHAM: School children tested for swine flu (From News Shopper)

MEOPHAM: School children tested for swine flu

7:40am Thursday 2nd July 2009

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SCHOOLCHILDREN are off sick with flu-like symptoms awaiting results of tests for swine flu.

The Year 6 pupils from Meopham Community Primary School went on a school trip to a PGL adventure camp in Surrey, where they may have come into contact with the virus.

During their stay, students from another school who were at the camp at the same time, have since proven positive for swine flu.

After returning on Friday (June 26), six pupils from the party of 61 that went on the trip have fallen ill and been tested for the illness.

Tests for one of the children have returned negative, with the remaining results due this week.

Headteacher Martin Clinton says the school in Longfield Road sent a letter to all parents keeping them fully informed of the situation.

He said: “We have had nothing confirmed.

“We took a caution in informing parents when children arrived home.

“Some children reported flu-like symptoms, and their parents have kept them at home.”

The school has taken advice from the Health Protection Agency, that unless anyone is ill they should continue coming to school.

Mr Clinton said: “We are disappointed and sorry for the individual children but are obviously pleased that the first result is negative.

“I’m hoping having had the first result back negative that the others are too.

“The Health Protection Agency is advising us not to close the school, so you can deduce from that not to worry.”

He added: “When swine flu initially arrived in the country we were all very concerned that it was going to be very dangerous.

“We are glad it’s not proving to be as serious as first felt.”

Are you a parent of one of the pupils at the school? Call the newsroom on 01689 885711.

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