Falmouth student classified with probable case of swine flu

FALMOUTH — A student who attends Lunt School has been classified as having a probable case of H1N1 flu, according to Emergency Management Director Howard Rice Jr. The illness has not been confirmed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

The student last attended school on Friday, May 1, and exhibited no symptoms at that time. The student, who was reported to be feeling well and recovering at home, will not return to school for the recommended exclusion period, a minimum of seven days.

Current federal guidelines do not advise closing the school, but instead remind people to follow common-sense hygiene controls to reduce the spread of influenza.

As of Wednesday, May 6, the the total number of so-called swine flu cases in Maine had increased to 10, after three new cases were identified by the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention. In addition to the Falmouth child, two adult cases were added, one in York County and one in Kennebec County.

Totals as of Wednesday were four adults and one child in York County; three adults in Kennebec County; the Falmouth child in Cumberland County and one child in Penobscot County. Four of the five York County cases have been confirmed by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control.

Peggy Roberts can be reached at 781-3661 ext. 125 or proberts@theforecaster.net.