BRIEF

Donna Wright

May 29, 2009 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- BRADENTON -- A 17-year-old boy attending Bradenton Preparatory Academy is the third person in Manatee County confirmed to have swine flu, local health officials announced Thursday.

The child was seen and treated by an area medical facility. He has recovered and has returned to class.

Surveillance efforts have shown no increase of influenza like illnesses at the school, according to Ronald Cox, epidemiologist at Manatee County Health Department.

This case does not appear to be travel-related, according to Cox, who said the health department is taking appropriate, responsible steps to protect the community.

Health officials said residents should be prepared. People with a cough, fever and fatigue possibly along with diarrhea and vomiting should contact their health care provider to discuss whether they should be seen in their office, a hospital emergency department or stay home.

For more information, call the Department of Health swine flu hotline at (800) 775-8039. Family, workplace, school, health care and community planning assistance can be found at http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/index.html.

As of May 27, the Centers for Disease Control reported 7,927 confirmed or probable cases of swine flu and 11 deaths in the U.S.

Newstex ID: 35376120