Swine flu cases in the Vicksburg Warren School District were updated from five to eight Friday, and one school previously reported to have a student with the illness was removed from the list.

Doctor-diagnosed swine flu has been reported in seven schools, said Cindy Nash, VWSD nurse coordinator.

Reported with the illness are:

• One student at Bowmar Elementary.

• One at Dana Road Elementary.

• One at South Park Elementary.

• Two at Warrenton Elementary.

• One at Sherman Avenue Elementary.

• One at Vicksburg High.

• One at Warren Central High.

A case at Beechwood Elementary was incorrectly reported to The Vicksburg Post Friday morning. Nash corrected that and reported the additional cases and locations Friday afternoon.

“These children have been diagnosed by doctors here,” said Nash. The case at Warren Central was new Friday morning, and others were added to the list.

The two students at Warrenton Elementary have recovered and returned to school, she said.

The Mississippi Department of Health has confirmed four cases of H1N1, or swine flu, in Warren County and remains the only sure confirmation source, said Liz Sharlot, director of communications for MDH.

“Doctors can diagnose it, based on symptoms and a process of elimination,” she said, but they cannot confirm it without a laboratory test. “The Mississippi Department of Health is the only agency in the state that can laboratory-confirm swine flu.”

VWSD officials were aware that at least one student had the flu as school was getting underway. That student did not attend school, but played with another child who later came down with the illness. Classes in the VWSD started Aug. 4.

District officials are monitoring things closely, Superintendent Dr. James Price said Friday.

The Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta signaled a global pandemic of the disease June 11. Cases have been reported in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Statewide, the MDH has confirmed 369 swine flu cases since May 15. More than 28,000 have been confirmed nationwide, with at least 436 deaths. Mississippi has reported one death, of a Jackson County child.

CDC guidelines call for teachers to be alert and take precautions, but not for school closures.

“So far, what we have seen is that the swine flu is very much like the normal flu except perhaps for the gastric problems — diarrhea and vomiting,” Nash said Friday morning. “Fortunately, we haven’t had any complications, and no hospitalizations.”

Nash said teachers and school officials are keeping an eye on siblings and classmates of those diagnosed. They’re also emphasizing prevention by teaching good hand-washing, cough etiquette and desk and counter cleanliness.

One incidence of “seasonal virus A” has also been seen in school, and a “fever virus” is also going around, Nash said.

A major CDC recommendation is for children with fever that may be a result of the flu to stay home and away from other kids.

Other symptoms of swine flu include cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.

In addition, some doctors are prescribing antiviral medications that can slow the progress of the influenza virus. MDH has said doctors have good supplies of at least two such drugs.

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Contact Pamela Hitchins at phitchins@vicksburgpost.com