Hundreds of pupils absent from Linlithgow school amid swine flu outbreak

Published on Wednesday 7 October 2009 15:27

A QUARTER of pupils at a high school in West Lothian have called in sick amid a swine flu outbreak, education bosses said today.

An "abnormally high" number of youngsters at Linlithgow Academy have reported flu-like symptoms, West Lothian Council said.

Around 290 pupils are currently absent, with 135 of them having reported flu-like symptoms.

The Scottish Government said that 14 of the pupils have been confirmed as having swine flu after being swabbed by their GPs.

The school, which has around 1,100 pupils, remains open and the local authority said it would only close schools in exceptional circumstances.

However the council has written to all parents and carers and urged them to be aware of the illness.

Gordon Ford, West Lothian Council's director of education, said: "We have taken the decision to write to all parents and carers in the Linlithgow area as a precaution.

"Clearly there is a high incidence of flu in the school community and we want to make sure that everyone is aware of the symptoms and that they should seek medical advice if their child shows signs of developing flu.

"We are following Government guidance on managing this outbreak and there are no plans to close schools at this time, and all children who are not showing symptoms should continue to attend as normal."

There are also high levels of absence at Linlithgow Primary School where 40 of the 415 pupils are off.

NHS Lothian advised parents to contact their GP or call NHS24 on 08454 242424 if they think their child might have swine flu.

Dr Alison McCallum, director of public health, NHS Lothian, said: "We are working closely with West Lothian Council following reports of a number of pupils with flu-like symptoms in the Linlithgow area.

"This situation is being closely monitored.

"Most people experience mild symptoms and make a full recovery. Practising good hand and personal hygiene will help reduce the spread of the virus.

"Parents should make sure their children are washing their hands regularly, and that they cover their nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, with a tissue if possible."