Despite more H1N1 flu cases, summer camps not planning to close

Despite flu outbreaks at various Iowa camps this summer, the state Department of Public Health is not recommending any closures at this time.

The most recent report of a case of H1N1 flu, formerly known as swine flu, was reported at a church camp, Summer Games University, at Grinnell College last week.

One camper was diagnosed with H1N1 after the camp ended, said the Rev. Mike Morgan of First United Methodist Church in Marion, an organizer of the event.

Morgan said none of the 350-plus youths were sick during the weeklong camp, but he knows of four kids who later had fever and other flu-like symptoms.

The case follows on the heels of several illnesses at YMCA's Camp Wapsie near Coggon.

At least two campers or staff members had confirmed cases of H1N1 virus. Others were diagnosed with influenza A.

State epidemiologist Dr. Patty Quinlisk said further testing for H1N1 is only performed for hospitalized or high-risk patients, so the full extent of H1N1 is unknown.

Christie Michael of Coggon said her son, Chris, 17, visited the doctor today after coming down with a sore throat, cough and headache after attending the Grinnell camp.

Doctors didn't think he had the flu, but her son “was a little nervous” and staying at home as a precaution, she said.

For more on this story, see Thursday's Gazette.