H1N1 flu cancels camp for children with HIV/AIDS
A camping trip in eastern Minnesota for families affected by HIV/AIDS has been cancelled after two volunteers tested positive for the H1N1 flu virus.
About 80 campers were scheduled to arrive in Willow River this Friday for the event organized by One Heartland, a Milwaukee-based nonprofit.
"Our first priority is the safety of our campers and volunteers," said Neil Willenson, One Heartland founder and CEO, in a statement. "As hard as it is to cancel an experience that is so important to the kids we serve, we must be proactive to help ensure this virus does not spread to our campers."
The organization planned six camping sessions this summer for children who are homeless, have been diagnosed as HIV-positive, or have family members living with HIV/AIDS.
Two volunteers tested positive for the H1N1 flu virus after the last session. Another two volunteers "are showing symptoms," according to a statement.
There are no known cases of the flu among the campers who attended the two previous sessions, the statement said.
Three camp sessions in mid-August are still scheduled to take place in New York and California.
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