Crawfordyke primary hit by swine flu

Jul 1 2009 by Richard Mooney, Wishaw Press

A PRIMARY school in Carluke is at the centre of a swine flu outbreak after 38 pupils tested positive for the virus.

Crawfordyke Primary School and Nursery was closed last Wednesday when a P3 youngster was diagnosed with the H1N1 strain.

NHS Lanarkshire confirmed that the pupil attended school whilst having symptoms of the illness.

Dr Lesley Armitage, consultant in public health medicine for the health board, said: “A total of 38 pupils at Crawfordyke Primary School have been confirmed as having influenza A, H1N1.

“As a precautionary approach, anti-virals have been given to the children and staff who have been identified as close contacts of these pupils to reduce the spread of influenza A, H1N1 infection.

“All parents and carers of pupils at the school have been provided with advice and guidance on what they should do if their child develops flu-like symptoms. “

She added: “NHS Lanarkshire is continuing to work closely with South Lanarkshire Council and Health Protection Scotland, and would like to reassure parents, pupils and staff that the risk of developing serious illness associated with flu infection is low.”

NHS Lanarkshire carried out a series of laboratory tests for the H1N1 strain on primary three pupils and informed parents, carers of pupils, and members of staff that the school and nursery had been closed for the rest of the term.

None of the children or members of staff who attend the nursery are known to have had any symptoms of flu.

Parents and members of staff were sent a set of questions and answers detailing information on the flu virus as well as advice on good hygiene measures and symptoms to look out for.

A spokesperson for NHS Lanarkshire explained that the early closure of the school for the summer break was a “precautionary measure” to reduce the spread of swine flu amongst pupils and people at the school.

He said: “The NHS Lanarkshire health protection team is working with South Lanarkshire Council Education Resources, local GPs, parents and carers to obtain information about the extent to which pupils in different year groups and in different classes may have been in close contact with pupils who are laboratory confirmed cases of flu A H1N1, and with other pupils who have had flu symptoms. This information will be used to make recommendations about which children or members of staff should receive antiviral medication.”

A South Lanarkshire Council spokesperson said: “Given that the schools were due to close on Friday for the summer break a decision was taken by NHS Lanarkshire in collaboration with South Lanarkshire Council Education Resources to close the school to pupils.

“Arrangements have been made to notify parents and carers, and information letters have been prepared by NHS Lanarkshire.”

People who develop symptoms of flu should stay at home and phone their GP (8am to 6pm Monday to Friday) or NHS 24 (08454 24 24 24) if outwith this period.

For more information visit NHS 24 (www.nhs24.com) or Scottish Government (www.scotland.gov.uk) or Health Protection Scotland (www.hps.scot.nhs.uk).