Swine Flu Found In 4 Of Church Group

The Idaho State Laboratory confirmed H1N1 (swine) influenza Thursday in four of seven people who recently visited Bonners Ferry with an out-of-state church group. Three of the tests were negative. The group left the area Tuesday to return home after seeing a Bonners Ferry doctor for care over the weekend. Prudent responses to the illness by the group, doctor and the hotel in Ponderay at which the group stayed helped prevent or slow the virus’ spread among the local population. “People showed compassion and responsibility and the community came together in the right way after the illnesses were confirmed,” said Jeanne Bock, Panhandle Health District director. “We don’t know yet if the virus spread, but we know their responsible reaction kept any spread to a minimum’’/ Cynthia Taggart , Panhandle Health District.