Swine flu strikes at Hautes Capelles

A PUPIL at Hautes Capelles Primary School has contracted swine flu.

A letter was yesterday sent out to parents telling them that an unidentified pupil had been affected by the H1N1 strain.

The school has not been closed, but parents have been asked to monitor their children's health and contact their doctor if they show any symptoms.

An Education Department spokesman said that a number of children and staff at the school had been showing symptoms.

However, as there was no longer any routine testing, the department could not say how many might be affected.

Those experiencing symptoms are asked to remain at home for at least four days or until they are no longer showing signs of the illness.

Parent Lana Bougourd, whose seven-year-old daughter Ria attends Hautes Capelles, said she was concerned that the school had had its first confirmed case.

'It is quite a worry really,' she said. 'I suppose all we can do is follow the advice that we have been provided with and keep an eye on them.

'It did make me think when I first saw the letter, but the children are breaking up on Friday so it's not worth worrying about too much yet.'