Ventura, CA. - The Ventura County Public Health Department today identified a fourth probable case of swine flu. This new case is the third school-aged child, and the second identified as a student at Art Haycox Elementary School. “This is the second student from this school to be diagnosed as having this virus,” said Dr. Robert Levin, Public Health Officer for Ventura County. Dr. Levin called for the closure of Art Haycox Elementary school last Thursday, April 30th, as well as Blackstock Junior High, where a third student attends school. Another case, an adult who resides in Ventura, was identified late Thursday afternoon.
The Public Health Department will conduct an on-site visit to Haycox Elementary School prior to it re-opening next week.
While it has been reported in the media that two nurses who had contact with two of the Ventura County probable cases were hospitalized, an investigation by the Public Health Department found this to be false.
One nurse was hospitalized but was tested twice for swine flu and was negative both times. The second nurse was seen in an emergency room for symptoms unrelated to swine flu and was discharged and sent home.
“Both nurses’ health conditions appear to be unrelated to the swine flu,” assured Dr. Levin. He added, “It is important to correct the perception that contact with individuals with swine flu in Ventura County sickened two nurses and led to their hospitalization. This is not borne out by the facts.”
For more information please call Sheila Murphy at 805-677-5274 or 805-637-4955.