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Officials warn of H1N1 virus spread in S. California

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2009-07-28 09:35

LOS ANGELES : Health officials have warned of a spread of the A/H1N1 flu virus in Southern California when students return to the schools in September, a report said on Monday.

After hundreds of students having been sent home from summer camps in the region in recent weeks due to flu-like symptoms, health officials said they are worried about what would happen when the school year begins, local television channel KABC reports.

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 The report said that the flu is ruining summer vacations in Southern California and other parts of the United States, particularly the northeast.

California health officials have received reports of flu outbreaks at 16 camps in eight counties, according to the report.

Although most reported flu cases have been mild, some health workers fear that a vaccine may not be available in time to stop the spread of the virus.

To prevent the spread of the H1N1 virus, nurses are examining kids before they board camp-bound buses, while school districts are working with health officials to launch education campaigns and stock up on medical supplies in preparation for flu outbreaks in the fall.

Since the flu virus was first detected, nearly 600 people have been hospitalized in California, and there have been 61 deaths in the state, the report said.