No swine flu at Vernon High

County lists one new case, bringing total to four Vernon — Rumors of swine flu at Vernon High School are unfounded, according to Superintendent Anthony Macerino. It is true, however, that two students in the school district are home recuperating from Influenza Type A, Macerino said. “Both of the above students are remaining home for no less than seven days, as per their personal physician and the Sussex County Health Department,” Macerino wrote in an e-mail response to an inquiry from the Advertiser-News. One is a high school student and one attends a lower school. Macerino also dispelled rumors that mononucleosis, commonly called mono, is rampant in the high school. “I am aware of one case of mono at the high school and the student is recuperating at home and doing fine.” While Vernon may not have been hit by swine flu, there is one recent case documented in Hamburg, according to a June 12 update from the Sussex County Health Department. “The latest confirmed case in Sussex County was a 50-year-old male from Hamburg,” according to a press release from that agency. “This is the fourth confirmed case within the county, in addition to the previously confirmed cases of the toddler from Hardyston, one student from Ogdensburg and one student from Hopatcong.” The county also noted that as of June 11, “there is a total of 348 confirmed and probable cases in the state of New Jersey.” Getting the facts The Sussex County Department of Environmental and Public Health Services in its press release notes that it “has also conducted a countywide initiative to provide schools, businesses and residents with educational information on the novel influenza A (H1N1) flu virus.” Here is the advice it gives for people who have flu-like symptoms — fever with a cough or sore throat. “Stay home and (do) not attend school, work, or go into the community except to seek medical care for at least seven days even if symptoms resolve sooner...also, continue to stay home from school or work until at least 24 hours after symptoms have resolved.” The symptoms of the H1N1 flu commonly called swine flu “are similar to the symptoms of regular flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Many people have reported diarrhea and vomiting. Like seasonal flu, the H1N1 flu might cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.” People who experience any of these symptoms should contact their doctor. Find out more Visit www.sussex.nj.us/health http://nj.gov/health www.cdc.gov/swineflu