Flu outbreak hits RP schools

Flu outbreak hits RP schools

PHILIPPINES: A mysterious outbreak of a flu-like illness has hit hundreds of students in Manila, forcing three private schools to shut down on Tuesday, officials said.

The students, in grade and high school levels, were suffering "respiratory problems", fever and stomach aches, school officials said.

On Monday dozens of students were sent home from the La Salle school in the posh Greenhills district in Mandaluyong, metro Manila.

On Tuesday, more students either called in sick or were sent home. The neighboring schools of Poveda and St. Paul's College reported that hundreds of their students were also ill.

La Salle was forced to cancel all classes for two days after 213 students on Monday and another 284 students on Tuesday complained of stomach aches, fever and vomiting. -- AFP