Immigrant Children Health Closely Watched

Unaccompanied children stopped by U.S. Border Patrol officers are undergoing numerous health screenings.

Despite unconfirmed reports of swine flu cases, a Health and Human Services spokesperson has only reported that children showing signs of influenza and pneumonia have been treated.

A Navy base spokeswoman said sick children are sent to local hospitals for treatment when they fall ill, but most see health care professionals such as nurses and physicians assistants in a clinic at Naval Base Ventura County.

In addition to well-child exams, the children are being tested for tuberculosis.

They are also getting vaccinated to prevent the spread of communicable diseases.

Ventura County Assemblymember Jeff Gorell issued a statement after one of his representatives took a tour of the children’s quarters earlier this month. Gorell said: “From our discussions with local health officials and what we observed at the facility today, our office believes that the facility is operating in a manner that does not compromise the health of children and the public. The overall conditions for the children are very good at this time.”

Base officials said no volunteers are taking care of the children-; only paid professionals. The base also confirmed they are not taking donations of any kind at the gate.

For more information, go to http://cnic.navy.mil/regions/cnrsw/installations/navbase_ventura_county/news/current-news.html