H1N1 flu outbreaks reported in several Los Angeles schools

Outbreaks of suspected H1N1 virus, also known as swine flu, have occurred at several schools in Los Angeles County since classes began earlier this month, it was reported on Friday, Xinhua reported.
   At least five suspected H1N1 virus infections, have occurred at two elementary schools, a high school and a university, the Los Angeles Times reported.
   But Los Angeles County Department of Public Health officials declined to name the schools because of privacy concerns, the paper said.
   "We had expected when schools would open up, we would start seeing an increase in flu-like illnesses," Kissell said.
   Additionally, two infections occurred last week at Camp Paige, a county juvenile probation camp in La Verne near Los Angeles, the paper said.
   Young people are particularly susceptible to contracting the virus and are on the priority list to receive a vaccine when it becomes available next month, the department said.
   As schools grapple with a resurgence of swine flu,  many schools around the country don't have a medical professional who can quickly diagnose students and detect outbreaks.
   A 2008 survey by the National Association of School Nurses found that only 45 percent of public schools have their own full- time nurse, another 30 percent have a part-time nurse, and a quarter don't have any nurses at all.