Pennichuck student has swine flu

NASHUA – A Pennichuck Middle School student has been diagnosed with the H1N1, also known as swine flu, but was not in school while contagious, Principal Paul Asbell announced in a letter to parents Thursday.

There have been 39 confirmed cases of the flu virus in New Hampshire, including two other Nashua teens.

“This is clear evidence that H1N1 is still very much here in our communities,” Public Health Director Dr. Jose Montero stated in a press release Thursday. All of those infected are recovering without complications; there have been no flu fatalities in the state.

More than 60 percent of the flu cases in New Hampshire were diagnosed in children and teens. Montero urged people to remain vigilant about basic health precautions, including hand washing and staying home if sick.

“This is not the time to let our guard down,” Montero said. “We can’t stress enough that if a child is sick or not feeling well, they should not attend school or any other activities where there is the potential to expose others to this illness. Currently, there are no clusters or outbreaks detected or reported in any school in the state. We continue to work with the educational community, however, and have recommended heightened awareness of influenza-like illness.”

DHHS continues to recommend that everyone stay home from work or school if you feel sick; cover your mouth and nose with your sleeve when you cough or sneeze; and wash your hands frequently. These steps can help prevent the spread of H1N1 and other illnesses.

For questions about H1N1, possible symptoms, travel information or other issues related to this illness, residents can call 1-888-330-6764 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. daily. For more information on H1N1, visit www.dhhs.nh.gov or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov/H1N1flu.

Andrew Wolfe can be reached at 594-6410 or awolfe@nashuatelegraph.com