32 swine flu cases at Eton

32 swine flu cases at Eton

Thirty-two pupils at Eton College are suspected to have contracted swine flu, it was disclosed on Sunday.

Last Updated: 4:02PM BST 31 May 2009

Eton was closed last week after a pupil tested positive for swine flu Photo: PHILIP HOLLIS

The Berkshire school, which was attended by Princes William and Harry, last week said it would close for a week after a 13-year-old pupil tested positive for the illness.

Now the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has written to parents confirming of a further seven probable and 25 possible cases.

The school, which has been closed for half term, will remain closed until June 7.

The HPA said in the letter: “In general these students have mild illness. It is highly likely that these will be positive for Swine Influenza.”

The HPA is offering antiviral drugs to both pupils and staff at the school.

The HPA said: “Because it is now clear that there is widespread transmission in the school, the HPA has decided to offer antiviral <1/8>medication<3/8> for all the students and staff at the school.

“The purpose of this is to minimise the likelihood of further spread of the virus to students and the families not already affected.”

Boys taking public examinations at Eton are being allowed to return to do so under controlled conditions.

The HPA said that 14 cases of swine flu were confirmed in the UK yesterday bringing the total to 229.