2 Miss. schools confirm swine flu cases

Published 12:00 am Thursday, May 21, 2009

JACKSON (AP) — Seven cases of swine flu have been confirmed in Mississippi.

Health officials say the new cases are in Lamar and Jackson counties. Through Wednesday there have been four cases reported in Harrison County, two in Lamar County and one in Jackson County. Health officials say an earlier reported case in Forrest County actually was in Lamar County.

Sacred Heart school principal Brain McCory says a female student from Lamar County was tested on Saturday and the Mississippi State Department of Health confirmed the swine case Wednesday.

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The school has pre-kindergarten to high school classes.

McCory says the unidentified student is recovering. He says all parents were notified by automated message and school officials called the parents of the children who have been in contact with the student.

McCory said hand sanitizers are kept in every classroom and the school will step up on disinfecting doorknobs and hallways.

Sacred Heart’s school year ends Friday.

In Ocean Springs, school superintendent Robert Hirsch says an Oak Park Elementary student was diagnosed with swine flu.

Hirsch said the child is under medical observation for the next seven days.

Hirsch told parents in an e-mail that the school will not be closed and that the school will continue to follow basic hygiene practices.

The Ocean Springs schools also end the school year Friday.

On the Net:

Mississippi State Department of Health, http://www.HealthyMS.com

Information from: WLOX-TV, http://www.wlox.com and Hattiesburg American, http://www.hattiesburgamerican.com