Bristol school hit by swine flu remains closed

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Monday, May 04, 2009
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This is Bristol

Downend School in Bristol remains closed after a 12-year-old girl was confirmed as having swine flu.

The youngster was sent home last week after she complained of feeling unwell following a trip to Mexico.

On Friday the school was completely shut when tests confirmed she had the illness.

The year 7 pupil, who was said to have mild symptoms, and 270 other students and staff, have all been given a 10-day course of the anti-viral drug Tamiflu.

The girl was on the same flight as a couple from Scotland who caught the flu virus in Mexico.

Downend School also said that other pupils who had come into close contact with the girl had been checked for swine flu symptoms.

Pupils were told the news in an assembly at 1pm last Friday.

Last night the school thanked parents for their patience. It said the school would not reopen until Monday, May 11.

Exams scheduled for this week will be postponed to a later date, rather than taking place at a different location.

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  • Profile image for This is Bristol

    by bristolblue76, bristol

    Tuesday, May 05 2009, 9:14AM

    “would it not make more sense for the schools to keep home the one child that has been to mexico insted of letting them back in school then having to shut it because they have caught it makes no sense!!!parent of year 9 child”

  • Profile image for This is Bristol

    by Student, Kingswood Partnership

    Monday, May 04 2009, 6:21PM

    “its nice to know that the downend students and teachers get the drug whilst us partnership students get nothing and we travel from our schools to learn at downend and we could of passed this 12 year old in the corridor and we only found out friday that downend was infected”

  • Profile image for This is Bristol

    by Worrybean, Bristol

    Monday, May 04 2009, 5:49PM

    “Good luck with the exams when they do start - hopefully the revision won't be too badly hampered and the time off school is used revising at home instead.... (or in the library with friends)...”

  • Profile image for This is Bristol

    by YEAR 11 PUPIL, Downend

    Monday, May 04 2009, 4:53PM

    “Im so annoyed about having this week off, may sound weird coming from a teenager who would usually do anything to get away from school .. but im missing vital revision time! I agree with Sarah, why did only year 7's get the tablets?! I passed the little girl about 3 times last week in school! It isn't the schools choice, its the HPA or whatever they are called .. what a joke!”

  • Profile image for This is Bristol

    by Teacher, Bash Street Scool

    Monday, May 04 2009, 4:46PM

    “"Maybe I should become a teacher...!"

    Shh, Cupboard under the stairs!

    So, if it's that easy, what's stopping you then?”

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