Eton College shut as pupil contracts swine flu

Eton College has been forced to shut for an extra week after the half-term break as a pupil tested positive for swine flu.

by Rebecca Smith, Medical Editor
Last Updated: 5:51PM BST 28 May 2009

Eton College has been forced to shut for an extra week after the half-term break as a pupil tested positive for swine flu.

The student, who is mildly unwell, tested positive on Wednesday and has been recovering at home.

The source of the infection is being investigated by health officials and after taking advice from the Health Protection Agency the school will remain closed until June 7th.

Following discussion with the HPA the school plans to remain closed until 7 June, and boys who are due to sit public examinations will be allowed to return under controlled conditions.
"The HPA is following up pupils who have been in contact with the boy that tested positive. The objective is to minimise the risk of spread of infection, while allowing boys to take their public examinations."

The Department of Health has secured contracts with vaccine manufacturers for 90m doses, enough for half the population as it is thought each person will need two jabs, to be delivered by December.