Students hospitalised with mystery bug

OVER 20 pupils at a Co Kildare secondary school who contracted a mystery flu-like infection have been hospitalised.

The students at Naas CBS began complaining of sore throats and high temperatures earlier this week and some were also vomiting.

One youth, who was very ill with the virus, was tested for meningitis but all tests proved negative for the disease.

A spokesperson for the Eastern Regional Health Authority (EHRA) said the provisional diagnosis was that the students were suffering from an "upper respiratory tract viral infection".

School principal, Noel Merrick, said it was decided that the school, which has about 800 pupils, should close until Monday because of the outbreak.

Most of those affected are Leaving Certificate students but the virus has also spread to a number of junior pupils.

Mr Merrick said around 30 boys failed to turn up for school due to illness on Wednesday morning.

By lunchtime yesterday, 40 pupils and one teacher were ill and others presented throughout the day with flu-like symptoms, he said.

In total, 18 pupils have been admitted to Naas General Hospital and three are in Tallaght hospital. Extensive medical tests are being conducted to establish the nature and cause of the illness at the hospitals where the students will remain overnight for observation.

At this stage, the mystery virus has everybody baffled.

"There are always bugs going around schools but I have never seen anything like this with big boys being brought to hospital," said Mr Merrick.

He said there had been some panic after one boy was suspected of having meningitis. "That boy was very ill but, thankfully, meningitis is now ruled out," he said.

Parents of the students at the CBS have been circulated with information about the boys' illness. The EHRA have advised that anyone suffering similar symptoms should take paracetamol, drink plenty of fluids and stay at home. Those concerned about the illness should consult their GP.

A spokesperson said the virus seemed to be self-limiting and the student suspected of having meningitis underwent the full range of laboratory tests for the illness.