Swine flu alert at Bright Start Day Nursery in Selby (From York Press)

Swine flu alert at Bright Start Day Nursery in Selby

8:41am Friday 24th July 2009 in Swine flu By Richard Harris

PARENTS of nursery-age children have been put on alert after a two-year-old was struck down by the bug.

The boy attended Bright Start Day which is based in the grounds of Selby College in Abbots Road.

Mums and dads of other children at the nursery have been sent a letter advising them of the situation, telling them what the symptoms of swine flu are and what they should do if they fear their child has caught the bug.

Katy Hall, a deputy manager at the nursery, said the affected two-year-old, who is from the Selby area, is at home and recovering well from the bug.

Miss Hall said: “All necessary precautions are being taken.

“Parents have been told that a child has got swine flu and he is at home with his parents. We’re adhering to a stringent hygiene regime, as always.”

She said the nursery had also received advice from the Health Protection Agency regarding subjects like hygiene, cleanliness and groups at most risk from the virus.

Miss Hall said there was no intention to close the nursery, which is also in line with official guidance.

Swine flu continues to sweep through the area, with various schools hit by the bug as well as local businesses. Schools to have been hit by suspected cases include Barlow Church of England Primary School, Selby High School and Eggborough Primary School.

In nearby York six people have been admitted to hospital with the bug and a GP has estimated that up to 1,000 people could have the virus in the city. Symptoms of swine flu can include a sudden fever and cough, headache, chills, tiredness, loss of appetite and aching muscles. People who think they have swine flu should telephone their GP, but should not travel in person to the surgery.