Swine flu positive in El Dorado County

A positive test for swine flu or H1NI has come back in a 9-year-old El Dorado County girl, health officials said Monday.

The test results, provided to the El Dorado County Public Health laboratory late Saturday evening, were follow-up results from the first probable case reported in the County on Friday in the child, who attends Camino School on the West Slope.

There are no cases in the Lake Tahoe area, health officials said.

Public health officials are awaiting confirmation test results for two other probable cases, both identified in students who also attend Camino School. Illness was mild in all of the cases. There are no other known cases of swine flu in the County at this time.

Because the one confirmed and two probable cases were identified in students at Camino School, the decision was made Saturday by local health and school officials to close the school through at least Friday, May 8. Included in the school closure is the Winnie Wakeley Building, which is located on Camino School's campus.

"We directed the school closure as a precaution and as a way of preventing further spread of this flu virus into the community," said Dean Kelaita, M.D., El Dorado County Interim Health Officer. "So far, this strain of swine flu appears to have very similar characteristics to seasonal flu, but we are being very cautious because it is a new strain in our community."

"Our surveillance and public health nursing staff have been in contact with the families of the individuals affected and we are working with them to ensure they are taking measures to care for themselves and to prevent the spread of the flu to others," said Dr. Kelaita. "We are also investigating whether there were other persons the children may have come in contact with and making recommendations for those individuals."

El Dorado County Public Health is working closely with the County Office of Education and school district staff regarding the school closure and notifications to parents. Health officials are asking students of Camino School to help minimize the possible spread of infection to others by staying home as much as possible this week and not gathering in groups in places such as malls, theaters, or places where they will have close contact. It is also recommended that the students from the school not participate in recreational or athletic programs until the school re-opens.

"At this time, we are advising members of the public to take precautions against swine flu as they would with the regular flu," said Dr. Kelaita. "Our best advice is to stay home if you feel you are sick with the flu and have symptoms such as fever, cough and sore throat. Most people sick with the flu need extra fluids, bed rest and over-the-counter medications. If symptoms are severe or persist, then it is wise to speak with a healthcare provider."