Second swine flu case confirmed in Manatee

BRADENTON — A 14-year-old boy attending Harllee Middle School is Manatee County’s second confirmed swine flu case, health officials announced Monday.

The child was seen and treated by an area hospital, recovered at home and returned to school, said John Burns, health department spokesman.

Surveillance has not shown an increase of influenza-like illnesses at the school, but the district continues to follow the CDC and Health Department’s protocols for swine flu, said spokeswoman Margi Nanney.

“We are stressing the importance of hand-washing and are keeping a careful eye on our clinics for any spikes in activity,” Nanney said. “This is an important time of year for students to concentrate on their exams, and we are happy the individual who was ill is well now and back in school.”

Local health officials have been preparing for the possibility of swine flu cases since this outbreak began and is taking appropriate, responsible steps to protect the community, Burns said.

“We must all do our part to reduce the spread of this infection; everyone is encouraged to get prepared at home, at work and take simple steps to protect yourself, your family and the community,” Burns said.

Family, workplace, school, health care and community planning assistance can be found at http://www. pandemicflu.gov/plan/ index.html.

People with a cough, fever and fatigue, possibly along with diarrhea and vomiting, should contact their health-care provider.

If you think you have influenza, call your health-care provider and discuss whether you need to be seen in their office, the emergency department or stay home. For more information in Florida, call toll-free (800) 342-3557 or, for the hard of hearing, (800) 226-4329.