Swine flu affects Donegal colleges

Teenagers attending two more Irish colleges in the north-west were tonight awaiting results of swine flu tests.

Teenagers attending two more Irish colleges in the north-west were tonight awaiting results of swine flu tests.

It is understood a number of pupils have already been sent home from the colleges in Donegal with flu-like symptoms.

Health chiefs are monitoring the suspected outbreaks of the H1N1 virus, which came two days after 300 pupils were sent home from Colaiste Mhuire in Loch an Iuir, where a number of teenagers tested positive.

The facility was forced to close for a week when scores of other teenagers showed signs of illness.

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The latest outbreaks affect pupils in the same region, at Colaiste Bhride in Rann na Feirste and Colaiste Machaire Rabhartaigh, a Gael Linn course held in Magheraroarty.

The Health Service Executive said it was monitoring the situation at the two schools, which have remained open.

“The local public health doctors are working closely with the schools in the management of these cases, all of which have been mild to moderate illnesses,” the HSE said.

Officials said medics were working closely with the schools, and children with flu-like illness were being seen by GPs.

It is believed that several pupils in Rann na Feirste came down with flu-like symptoms and others were being sent home as a precaution. The August course was due to finish on Sunday.

PA