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Friday, September 3, 2010
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Three swine flu cases on Isle of Wight

By Ross Findon - Friday, July 10, 2009

A FURTHER three cases of swine flu have been confirmed on the Island while a high school awards night has been called off after reports of several pupils having flu-like symptoms.
All three confirmed cases, two university students and a man of working age, who all contracted the illness on the mainland and received treatment through GPs, are expected to make a full recovery, according to Isle of Wight NHS.
Since April, fewer than 30 people have been issued with anti-viral drugs after exhibiting flu-like symptoms on the Island.
The Isle of Wight College confirmed this week it had a work-based student, employed by a care home, being treated for a suspected case of swine flu, but the student had not been into college while ill and the college was operating as normal.
Letters have been sent to parents asking them to keep children at home and contact their doctor if they have flu-like symptoms.
The Cowes High School awards at Cowes Yacht Haven were called off despite national guidance that large gatherings should proceed as normal, even in areas where swine flu is known to be present.
Headteacher David Snashall said it was one of the hardest decisions he had taken in many years.
He said there were fewer than ten students reporting flu symptoms but the decision was prudent in order to minimise the risk of spreading the illness, whether it was seasonal or swine flu.
"We know people look forward to the awards and we want to recognise the achievements of our students. But we have to balance that with other factors," he said.

Reporter: ross.findon@iwcp.co.uk


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