Pupils await swine flu test results
Youngsters attending two more Irish colleges in the north-west were tonight awaiting results of swine flu tests.
It is understood a number of pupils have already been sent home from the colleges in Donegal with flu-like symptoms.
Health chiefs are monitoring the suspected outbreaks of the H1N1 virus, which came two days after 300 pupils were sent home from Colaiste Mhuire in Loch an Iuir, where a number of teenagers tested positive.
The facility was forced to close for a week when scores of other teenagers showed signs of illness.
The latest outbreaks affect pupils in the same region, at Colaiste Bhride in Rann na Feirste and Colaiste Machaire Rabhartaigh, a Gael Linn course held in Magheraroarty.
The Health Service Executive said it was monitoring the situation at the two schools, which have remained open.
“The local public health doctors are working closely with the schools in the management of these cases, all of which have been mild to moderate illnesses,” the HSE said.
Officials said medics were working closely with the schools, and children with flu-like illness were being seen by GPs.
It is believed that several pupils in Rann na Feirste came down with flu-like symptoms and others were being sent home as a precaution. The August course was due to finish on Sunday.
On Friday, Ireland reported its first person to die with swine flu.
Darina Calpin, 18, from Templeboy, Co Sligo, was suffering from cystic fibrosis when she contracted the deadly bug.
She was described by her family as a courageous and determined young woman with a zest for life.
She was admitted to Tallaght Hospital last Monday, diagnosed and immediately put into an isolation ward.
Health officials said about 1,400 new cases of swine flu are emerging every week, with 70% involving people under the age of 30, and warned there will be more deaths from swine flu.
The majority of patients are also believed to have contracted the virus in Ireland.
