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Eton reopens after swine flu outbreak
08.06.09
Classes resumed at Eton College today after the school shut for a week following more than 30 cases of swine flu.
The Health Protection Agency (HPA) confirmed at least 31 cases of the virus linked to the public school in Berkshire. Of those infected, 18 were pupils.
The school, which was attended by Princes William and Harry, reopened yesterday and was screening pupils for symptoms.
More than 500 people have now been diagnosed with swine flu in the UK.
The first cases at Eton were flagged up when the school was closed for half-term and the decision was taken to keep the premises shut for an extra week.
Headmaster Tony Little sent an email to parents on Friday saying the HPA had advised him the school could reopen.
He wrote: "The measures we have taken this week to control the infection appear to have been successful.
"This has enabled nearly all boys to take their public examinations.
"We will keep up our guard in the coming weeks. For that reason, all boys will be screened when they return.
"If boys are displaying symptoms of infection, they will be asked to return home.
"We would, therefore, ask that parents do not try to return boys who are displaying any symptoms of flu-like illness."
Yesterday another 15 cases of swine flu were confirmed as a leading scientist warned the number of people with the illness could actually be twice as many as the current UK total of 557.
Professor Hugh Pennington, a bacteriologist at Aberdeen University, said the number of swine flu cases in the UK was probably double the official figure.
"I think it would be very reasonable to say we've got at least twice as many cases as we know about," he told BBC Radio 5 Live.
