Whidbey General Hospital restricts kids in wake of flu symptoms

Published 7:00 pm Monday, October 26, 2009

The flu will keep some young visitors out of Whidbey General Hospital in Coupeville, it was announced Monday afternoon.

“The number of people with influenza-like illness has been increasing

on Whidbey Island, and because of this WGH has decided to limit visitation of children under the age of 12 years,” said Roger Case, M.D., Island County Health Officer.

In addition, hospital officials will screen patients and visitors

upon entering the hospital.

“Please observe this request, as we attempt to keep our visitors and staff healthy,” Case said. The hospital will initiate this policy

tomorrow, Oct. 27.

A large number of children in Oak Harbor and Coupeville have been stricken by flu-like symptoms. The absentee rate Friday was about 25 percent at two Oak Harbor elementary schools, and Coupeville High School’s football game was canceled due to illness among the players.

Case said Monday that the supply of seasonal flu vaccine has run out throughout Island County and he does not know when more will be received. A small supply of H1NI (swine flu) vaccine was received last week, but it was reserved for emergency service workers. It is not known when more swine flu vaccine will arrive.