The Beeld newspaper this morning reported that a Johannesburg school will be closed for a week after a break-out of mumps and swine flu. The King’s School, situated in the Sandton suburb of Linbro Park stopped classes last week after about six pupils contracted mumps and another two swine flu, said the school’s principal John Pilkington.

The report indicated that this week, another two pupils had contracted swine flu and that the primary school section of the school will be closed for the rest of this week.

Principal Pilkington explained the schools reasoning behind their decision to close:

We consulted with two medical doctors and asked if it would be a good idea to close the school for a few days.

We have been advised by two medical practitioners that this strain of Swine Flu is not at the same level that swept the world 18 months ago.

He then informed the Gauteng health department of the swine flu cases.

The National Institute for Communicable Diseases said that over 200 South Africans are being treated for the virus presently, of which 129 are in Gauteng.

The Gauteng Health Department’s Sello Mokoena explained:

We are also encouraging people to take the normal flu injections especially those that are vulnerable with chronic diseases and related health problems.

The department has urged people who develop cold and flu like symptoms over winter to see a doctor to avoid another swine flu epidemic.

[Sources: CityPress, EWN]