BRADENTON — A 17-year-old boy attending Bradenton Preparatory Academy is the third person in Manatee County confirmed to have swine flu, local health officials announced Thursday.
The teenwas seen and treated by an area medical facility. He has recovered and has returned to class.
Surveillance efforts have shown an increase of influenza-like illnesses at the school, according to Ronald Cox, epidemiologist at Manatee County Health Department.
This case does not appear to be travel-related, according to Cox, who said the health department is taking appropriate, responsible steps to protect the community.
Health officials said residents should be prepared. People with a cough, fever and fatigue possibly along with diarrhea and vomiting should contact their health care provider to discuss whether they should be seen in the office or in a hospital emergency department, or stay home.
For more information, call the Department of Health swine flu hot line at (800) 775-8039. Family, workplace, school, health care and community planning assistance can be found at www. pandemicflu.gov/plan/ index.html.
As of May 27, the Centers for Disease Control reported 7,927 confirmed or probable cases of swine flu and 11 deaths in the United States.
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