Beijing schools alerted for A/H1N1 flu

Schools and kindergartens in Beijing are taking measures to prevent more cases of A/H1N1 flu, after a collective outbreak in a school in eastern Chaoyang district.

Seven children at the Nanhu Zhongyuan primary school were confirmed to have A/H1N1 flu on Wednesday. 157 people including children, teachers and parents who had close contact with them have been put under quarantine. The flu outbreak has forced the school to suspend its final examinations and start the summer vacation a week ahead of schedule.

The school is located in a residential area. Life here haven't been affected.

At a school not far from Nanhu Zhongyuan primary school, parents have been informed that some classes have been rescheduled as instructed by the municipality's education authorities.

"My child should have gone to school until June 31. But the vacation has come a month early. We will receive notice by telephone about when school starts again."

On Thursday Beijing health and education authorities issued a public notice, calling on parents' and children's cooperation to prevent a further spread of the flu. It says parents should encourage their children to develop good hygiene habits. Traveling to other places is also not advised. Treatment should be sought as soon as possible if a family member has flu symptoms. And children should keep a close watch on their own physical condition one week before school starts.