The Adobe Flash Player is required to view this multimedia interactive. Get it here.

Northridge staff member, student bring swine flu cases to three

Millions spent, hopes remain for more jobs
12:00 p.m.
Bishops: New birth control rule ‘a first step’
2/11/12
Police headlines for Feb. 11
2/11/12
Local Focus: Clark County for Feb. 11
2/11/12
Local Focus: Champaign County for Feb. 11
2/11/12
> More headlines

By Kelly Mori, Staff Writer Updated 9:02 AM Friday, May 29, 2009

HARMONY TWP — Two suspected swine flu cases at Northridge Middle School have tested positive, bringing the total number of confirmed cases at the school and Clark County to three, health and school officials announced Thursday, May 28. The cases consist of a staff member, a 15-year-old and a 13-year-old student.

Seven more suspected cases have been sent to the Ohio Department of Health for testing, said Charles Patterson, Clark County health commissioner. Six of those cases have some kind of link to the school either as students, family members or close contacts. The results of those tests are expected by Saturday.

All three confirmed cases are recovering at home and doing well, Patterson said.

Northeastern Local School District Superintendent Rick Broderick said the school will remain open for its final three days this year, unless health officials advise the school to close — a decision that has so far, not gone over well with parents. More than 200 students have stayed away from the school each day this week. Broderick said he expects the number to jump due to the additional confirmed cases.

Students who stay home will be recorded as unexcused absences but without penalty, Broderick said.

Northeastern Local School District will update parents on the latest news concerning the swine flu during the district’s regular board meeting at 6:30 p.m. today, May 28, at Northeastern High School.

In addition to the board’s regular business, board members will address parents’ questions and concerns, said board president Leonard Kadel.

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0347 or kmori@coxohio.com.

Share this article