2ND SCHOOL ON SWINE FLU ALERT; 20 pupils showing signs of H1N1 virus.

Byline: MICHELLE O'KEEFFE

FEARS were growing last night that a second school has been hit with swine flu.

Parents are on red alert after 20 students at Breifne College in Cavan showed symptoms of the potentially-deadly virus.

It comes one day after 18 children at Laragh National School in Stradone, Co Cavan, were struck down with the HINI pandemic.

There are no plans to close the college despite the probable outbreak of swine flu.

Public health specialist Dr Peter Finnegan said: "There is a probable outbreak of the H1N1 virus at Breifne secondary school.

"The HSE has been working closely with the school principal, teachers and pupils to minimise the risk of the spread of the flu. Based on advice from the HSE Public Health Department, a decision was made by the school principal that the school would continue to function as normal.

"The HSE Public Health Team will continue to work closely with the school and is available to advise the school at all times.

"Parents of pupils attending the school are advised not to send children to school if they are sick.

"Children who are sick should be kept at home for seven days from the onset of symptoms. Any child who is sick at school will be sent home.

"Staying at home when sick will allow a child to rest and allows carers to monitor their health closely.

"It also protects other children and staff members especially those at risk of severe illness from flu."

The principal of Breifne College contacted the HSE Public Health Team yesterday after a number of pupils presented with flu-like illnesses.

On Wednesday the outbreak of swine flu at Laragh National School affected one sixth of its 108 pupils.

But the classrooms were not closed. The HSE said the majority of the cases had been confirmed by lab tests.

For more information about flu contact the 24 Hour Flu Helpline on 1 800 94 11 or visit the website www.swineflu.ie.