A student attending British International School in Phuket has been diagnosed with the A H1N1 virus, commonly referred to as swine flu.
“Late this morning, we received a report from one of our parents of a confirmed case in our school. Immediately, we met with Dr. Sompoch, Incident Commander of Bangkok Hospital, Phuket and the Steering Committee set up to prevent an outbreak in Phuket of the Influenza A virus. We were informed that revised guidelines from the Ministry of Public Health state that schools do not need to close, according to the results of their investigations. Following this expert advice, we will remain open at this time”, writes headmaster Dr. George A. Hickman in an email.
Thailand reported 86 newly confirmed A/H1N1 flue cases Wednesday morning, bringing the country’s total number of infection cases to 985.
Bangkok Post online quoted Public Health Minister Witthaya Kaewoaradai as saying that of all the infected people, 970 have been fully recovered, and only 15 of them are being watched at hospitals by health authority.
“It has also been reconfirmed by the medical authorities that the seriousness of the Influenza A H1N1 virus is similar to a seasonal influenza, and many individuals may not show symptoms at all. However, the B.I.S. nursing team will continue to closely monitor the situation, and be in regular touch with health authorities until school closes for summer vacation at noon on Friday”, writes Dr. Hickman.
