Bastrop, Tx–Two members of the Bastrop High School varsity volleyball team have been diagnosed as suffering from the H1N1 influenza strain, prompting school officials to call off matches scheduled today.
The viral strain was confirmed in two athletes this afternoon after four team members and a coach reported flu-like symptoms over the past week, following a team trip to a Fort Worth tournament. According to Bastrop County Emergency Management Coordinator Mike Fisher, all nine team members and their two coaches, along with their families and other “close contacts,” are being treated as if they have either a seasonal flu strain or the so-called swine flu which spread from Mexico to the US and around the world earlier this year. The medical treatment is the same in either case.
Fisher said he spent much of the day Friday in meetings with Bastrop school officials, Bastrop County Health Officer Dr. Desmar Walkes, state health service officials and other officials to map out systems to monitor and respond to local developments, which should become apparent within about 48 hours, he said Friday evening.
With classes set to begin Monday in Bastrop schools, officials are urging students with flu-like symptoms to stay home, cover their mouths when they cough and to wash their hands frequently.
Those most affected by the H1N1 flu outbreak this year have been children between the ages of eight and 18. Some reports have suggested that those of Hispanic or African descent have also been disproportionately affected.
Fisher said he has been impressed with the response of Bastrop school officials to the reported outbreak. “They’ve done a good job of addressing it,” he said.