In Union City, one case of the H1N1 influenza (swine flu) has been confirmed and five more cases are pending, town officials announced Monday at a press conference.
A male student at Robert Waters Elementary School, at 2800 Summit Ave., was hospitali zed this week, after not attending school for several days, and has since been released, officials said. Officials would not disclose the age and grade of the child with the confirmed case of the illness. The school serves students in kindergarten through eighth grade.
Town officials learned about the confirmed case Friday evening, said Sanger. He added that the school was disinfected on Saturday and will be again some time this week.
Five more students from the same school have been tested but the results are not yet known.
As a precaution as to not spread the illness, Stanley Sanger, the superintendent of schools, has decided to close the school from Tuesday, May 19 to Monday, May 25. Classes will resume on Tuesday, May 26.
During the close, health officials will be available at the school to answer questions and provide information on screening for the flu.
School officials said a letter was mailed to parents today. Parents and students said they were shocked by the news.
“We are all surprised,” said seventh grader Jennifer Jimenez.