3 at Rabun camp test positive for H1N1 flu virus

Three people at Camp Ramah Darom in Rabun County have tested positive for the novel H1N1 virus, health officials say.

Dave Palmer, a spokesman for District 2 Public Health, said more than 50 people at the camp became ill with influenza-like symptoms, including fever, sore throat, chills and body aches. Three samples were sent to the state’s labs, and all tested positive for the strain, commonly known as swine flu. Those who tested positive for influenza A, which includes those with novel H1N1, are receiving treatment.

So far, Palmer said, the flu cases have been mild to moderate.

Ramah Darom CEO Fred Levick said in a statement that officials were working closely with health authorities to monitor and care for sick children and staff and were following guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to limit the virus’ spread. The camp has a residential medical staff with at least two physicians and three nurses, and extra medical support has been brought in. He said activities are continuing as usual.

Neil Reisner of Hollywood, Fla., whose daughter Jolie, 12, is a camper, said he doesn’t plan to bring her home.

“We feel comfortable that they’re doing everything that we would do and probably better because they’re in touch with public health officials,” he said.

At least two other camps in North Georgia, which draws youngsters from several states, have been hit by illness.

Palmer, whose district includes 13 counties, said the Boy Scouts’ Camp Woodruff in Blairsville has one confirmed influenza A case. Additionally, at least 15 staff members at URJ Camp Coleman in Cleveland, Ga., got sick, forcing officials to delay the opening of the summer camp for children ages 7 through 16.