Grove City 6th-Grader Contracts Swine Flu; School Stays Open

A confirmed case of the H1N1 virus, commonly known as swine flu, has been confirmed in Grove City. The case was confirmed by the Pennsylvania State Health Department on Monday.

The patient is a sixth-grader at Hillview Elementary School in Grove City. Officials said the 14-year-old boy got the swine flu from a family member who had been out of state.

VIDEO: Swine Flu Student Declared No Longer Sick

The Hillview Elementary School became aware of the student's illness on Monday from the state health department and Centers for Disease Control. The school was notified Monday morning about the diagnosis. On Monday afternoon, a letter went home with all of the school’s 750 students.

Officials said the student was not in school on Wednesday. He met with a doctor, who declared him no longer sick and cleared him to return to school on Thursday.

The CDC told Dr. Robert Post, the school’s superintendent, that a single case of confirmed swine flu was not reason to shut down the school. Officials cleaned the school and are remaining cautious.

“I would say it’s a concern, just like any other flu. We will be ever vigilant,” Post said.

Many parents were surprised and concerned to hear that a swine flu case was confirmed in their kids' school.

“Wow, I didn’t know,” said Grove City resident Fred Travis.

“It freaks me out,” said another parent Jeannie Bush.

Prior to this case, there was one previously confirmed in Mercer County. The patient is a student at Grove City College. The college took precautions to isolate the student in question from the other students, and had not canceled any classes or activities.

There were two confirmed cases of the virus in Allegheny County. No details were given about one patient. The other patient in Allegheny County has since recovered from the virus.

There were two confirmed cases in Westmoreland County, as well.

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