After reviewing case information, the Department of Health and Senior Services is clarifying that a 14-year-old student at a Burlington County middle school who tested positive for 2009 H1N1 A influenza attended school for several days after traveling to Mexico, but was not exhibiting symptoms.

The student did not attend school on Thursday, April 23 but participated in Take Your Child to Work Day. During the event, that child became ill and did not return to school, according to information Burlington County health officials provided to the state Department of Health and Senior Services.

 A 10-year-old sibling, who also tested positive for H1N1 flu, attended school the week of April 20, got sick on Sunday, April 26 and did not return to school.

The illness is spread when a symptomatic person coughs, sneezes or has other contact with a well person. In both cases, neither of the children was in school while exhibiting symptoms.

Burlington County health officials have been surveying all of the schools in the county and there have been no reports of increased influenza-like illness.

The family issued a statement through the Burlington County Board of Chosen Freeholders Friday stating that they had very mild forms of the flu and have recovered.

Although the decision to close a school remains a local one, the state sees no reason to recommend school closure in this situation. 

Parents with concerns should contact local school officials, county health officials or call the DHSS Call Center at 1-866-321-9571.