Concerns about swine flu have ramped up in North Central Florida with the news Friday that a University of Florida student is Alachua County's first suspected case.
With a series of commencement exercises bringing thousands of parents and family members into town, UF officials are urging residents to be cautious, especially in public gatherings.
Alachua County Health Department officials expect results Monday that will confirm whether a student who reported to the Student Health Care Center with a high fever, sore throat and cough this week has the new swine flu strain.
The student has not been identified, but a rapid test given Monday was positive for flu, according to Dr. Phillip Barkley, SHCC director.
What kind of flu the student has remains to be determined. Samples were taken and sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.
Barkley said the student was excused from a final exam and was asked to stay isolated in the student's off-campus apartment. The student has since gone home to Central Florida.
Close contacts of the student have been notified, Barkley said.
