More swine flu cases confirmed in Georgia

By SHELIA M. POOLE

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

The number of confirmed H1N1 virus cases in Georgia has grown to eight, according to federal and state health officials.

In addition to the confirmed cases, there are 10 probable cases of people infected with the influenza virus, commonly called swine flu.

Specific information about the new cases was unavailable.

Health officials also are investigating a "cluster of mild influenza-like illnesses" caused by the virus in Henry County.

Initially, the cases were identified among students at Eagle's Landing Christian Academy who traveled together domestically.

The oldest suspected case is a 60-year-old woman; the youngest is a 7-year-old girl. The new confirmed cases are in Henry County, as are most of the suspected cases.

The school recently reopened after a thorough cleaning. It closed for a few days after the first cases surfaced, based on guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But the CDC later relaxed that directive.

Health officials said because students and parents followed CDC recommendations to prevent the spread of infections, the "number of illnesses has been limited."

Parents are advised to keep their children home if they show any symptoms of seasonal or H1N1 flu.

State health officials said the investigation is ongoing.