Deer Creek School Has 'Pending' Swine Flu Case

Staff and Wire Reports

EDMOND, Oklahoma -- Officials in the Deer Creek School District in Edmond say a student may have swine flu, but its schools will remain open.

Authorities say the student has a pending case of swine flu, meaning it has not been confirmed yet by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Doctors have been sending samples from people with flu-like symptoms to state health officials. Those judged probable for swine flu are then sent on to the Centers for Disease Control for confirmation.

State health officials say one case of swine flu has been confirmed for a woman in Pontotoc County, and four probable cases are pending confirmation.

The school sent the following e-mail to all Deer Creek Middle School parents:

H1N1 Update

Today Deer Creek School District was informed that a pending case of H1N1 Influenza exists for a Deer Creek student. The specimen has been sent to the CDC for testing. At this time our schools have been encouraged not to close school by John Lowry, Oklahoma County Health Department and we are advised to continue to monitor student health carefully. We are in close contact with the Health Department to ensure as best possible the wellness of our students and staff. We do, however, want to make our parents aware of this situation in order for them to make the best decisions for their families. School and related activities will continue until further notice. Please monitor our website and news for updates regarding this situation."