Swine flu case keeps kids out of school

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (WDTN) - Clark County health officials said there is one confirmed case and five suspected cases of the swine flu coming from Northridge Middle School. Health officials announced on May 23 that a 15-year-old male student at the school has the contagious, influenza-like virus.

That prompted health and school officials to hold a meeting Tuesday night to calm fears after parents kept more than 300 students home from school on Tuesday.

"I have a one month old baby here," said Samantha Owens, who also has a daughter in the fifth grade at Northridge. "I don't want her to get sick at the school and bring it home to an infant that does not have the immune system. I just want to be sure that she's not going to get sick".

Northridge School officials said they are working closely with the Clark County Combined Health District and following their advice to continue with school.

"In consultation with the health district and the CDC we found out, over the long Memorial Day weekend, the virus can only stay active for 2 to 8 hours," said Steve Linson, principal at Northridge Elementary School. "The long weekend has helped out tremendously. We know that the building is clear".

School officials said they are meeting with teachers and staff to go over precautionary measures. They will also have health officials on hand to meet with parents and answer any questions.

There are only six days left until the end of the school year and some parents like Kristin Thompson said it is better to be safe than sorry.

" No, I'm not sending them," she said. "I have to see if I can make arrangements so my kids won't go the rest of the school year."

The student with the confirmed case of flu is recovering at home.