Case of Swine Flu Confirmed in South Kitsap

Health officials say case does not pose a significant public health concern.
By Chris Henry
chenry@kitsapsun.com
SOUTH KITSAP
A Cedar Heights Junior High School student has been diagnosed as having the H1N1 “swine flu” virus. South Kitsap School District officals received word late Friday.
According to an e-mail from the superintendent’s office, officials from the Kitsap and Pierce County Health Departments told the district the case does not pose a significant public health threat, because the student was never ill while at school and was absent the entire week.
“County health stated that they consider this to be comparable to the typical flu,” La Rose said.
The district was unable to send hard copy letters home with students Friday, but LaRose issued a district-wide automated phone announcement.
“We are taking our lead from the health officials who tell us that this is not a public health concern and would not require a public notification from their departments (both Kitsap and Pierce County),” said spokeswoman Aimee Warthen, in an e-mail.
Neither LaRose or Warthen was available for further comment.