Swine flu hits Rochdale schools

Rochdale Infirmary

Swine flu has been confirmed at four schools across the borough, in one of the largest local outbreaks to date.

Three cases have been confirmed, and 15 further cases have been recorded as “clinically presumed” cases, totaling at 18 patients, some of which are believed to be being treated at Rochdale Infirmary.

Some pupils from Heybrook Primary School, Broadfield Primary School and Hollingworth High School and Rochdale Girl's School have been sent home with symptoms.

The Health Protection Agency North West and NHS Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale is warning everyone to stay at home if they fear to have any of the flu-like symptoms.

Deputy Headteacher at Broadfield Primary School, Emma Wilkinson said: “We are taking all the necessary pre-cautions to make sure our pupils and staff remain healthy such as ensuring have anti-bacterial handwash in classrooms and teachers are re-enforcing the basic hygiene messages at every opportunity.”

Kevin Crowther, Headteacher, Heybrook Primary School: “Our school remains open and is operating as normal. We are following HPA guidelines closely and have written to all parents providing information and advice about reducing the risk of spreading the virus.

“We’re also doing all the practical things such as ensuring we have anti-bacterial handwash in classrooms and teachers are re-enforcing the basic hygiene messages at every opportunity.

“The wellbeing of our children remains my number one priority and we are doing everything we can, whilst keeping parents informed.”

Dr Sheila Will, Director of Public Health at NHS HMR said: “Our advice to anyone with flu-like symptoms is that they should stay at home and phone their GP or NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 for advice.

“They should not visit their GP surgery or local hospital Accident and Emergency Unit and they should definitely not go into workplaces, schools or colleges.

“It’s important for people with symptoms to cover their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing. The Catch it, Bin it, Kill it advice remains sound. People should preferably sneeze or cough into paper tissues, carefully dispose of these tissues in a bin and then wash their hands thoroughly.”

These individuals are being treated at home and are recovering well.
Most people with confirmed H1N1v (swine flu) infection in the UK have had mild illness and have recovered fully.

The pupil from Hollingworth High School has been treated and has today (Wednesday 1 July) returned to school.

Rochdale Online News will report on all updates as they happen.