Taiwan reports H1N1 flu outbreak in summer camp

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-07-25 16:07

TAIPEI: Taiwan health authorities said Saturday 106 out of 214 high school students attending a religion study camp in Kaosiung city have shown flu symptoms with eight of them tested positive for the A(H1N1) influenza.

There is high probability that other students showing flu symptoms may also be infected, the authorities said.

Full Coverage: Flu Pandemic Outbreak
Related readings: Testing H1N1 flu vaccine amid supply questions Hong Kong confirms 145 new A(H1N1) flu cases Macao's A(H1N1) confirmed cases reach 149 China begins clinical tests for H1N1 vaccines Australia starts H1N1 flu vaccine trials

The authorities, however, insisted the outbreak "had nothing to do with the on-going World Games in Kaosiung."

A handful of campers showed respiratory symptoms after they arrived on July 16. When health authorities began investigation on the camp on Wednesday, nearly half of the students had been suffering from severe cough.

Twelve students with the most severe symptoms were tested, of whom eight tested positive.

Authorities have already dismissed the camp, which was scheduled for July 20 to 26.

Students with flu symptoms were sent home after given proper medical treatment, and would be monitored by their local health departments.