EUGENE, Ore. -- A confirmed case of H1N1 flu in an elementary student at a private school has prompted county health officials and the school administration to cancel classes until at least May 11.

The closure of the non-profit Oak Hill School affects all 138 students in grades K-12. An elementary age student there is among the four Lane County residents with a confirmed case of H1N1 flu, the troublesome bug also called swine flu.

This is a press release courtesy of Lane County

Lane County Public Health officials received confirmation from state health officials this afternoon that there are four confirmed cases of H1N1 (Swine Flu) in Lane County. This includes one student from Oak Hill Elementary. As of this afternoon, there are four (4) confirmed cases, three (3) probable cases, one (1) suspect case, and there are three (3) people who are contacts of probables and are ill, but no lab work has conducted yet.

Lane County Public Health officials have worked with Oak Hill Elementary school officials to conclude that the elementary school will close, effective today through Monday, May 11. On May 11, a decision will be made to continue with the temporary closure or to reopen the school.

Swine Influenza A (H1N1) is a respiratory illness related to seasonal influenza. Swine Influenza A (H1N1) is commonly seen in pigs, although occasionally human infections do occur.

The symptoms of Swine Influenza A (H1N1) in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and may include: fever (greater than 100°F or 37.8°C), sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, chills, headache and body aches, and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with Swine Influenza A (H1N1).

If you have a fever and any of the symptoms listed above, and have been to an affected area or in contact with someone who has been to an affected area, immediately call your health care provider. Please do not go to the doctor’s office, hospital emergency room, Public Health, or Urgent Care. Call first, tell the staff of your symptoms and concern about possible Swine Influenza A (H1N1). Your provider or the health care facility will assure that you are evaluated in a way that limits your exposure to other people.  

Lane County Public Health and the Oregon Division of Public Health are reminding members of the community to practice healthy and preventative habits, including:

• Protect yourself and others by washing your hands often
• Cover your mouth with something other than your hand when you cough
• If you are sick, stay home and contact your health care provider – this includes staying home from work/ keeping children home from school if ill.
   

Additional information about this strain of influenza is available at:

• Lane County Public Health’s information line at 682-4181
• Lane County’s website at www.lanecounty.org
• State information is available at http://www.flu.oregon.gov/  
• Oregon Influenza hotline for questions: 1-800-978-3040
• CDC (H1N1) Swine Flu Main Page: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/
• Pandemic Flu Website:  http://www.pandemicflu.gov/
• For specific information on travel precautions and an update on the affected areas, please visit: www.cdc.gov/travel