Bean skips get-together to tend to daughter with swine flu

U.S. Rep. Melissa Bean skipped a public appearance in Lake Zurich Sunday because her 16-year-old daughter is ill with the H1N1 flu, an aide said.

Bean, a Barrington Democrat, was scheduled to speak with residents at a local supermarket but did not show. Staffers did show up and explained the situation to the crowd.

Bean's daughter was diagnosed with the illness overnight, spokesman Jonathan Lipman said. Bean's husband also has been ill with similar symptoms but has not yet been diagnosed, Lipman said.

As of Sunday afternoon, Bean was not sick but certainly has been exposed to the contagious virus, Lipman said. State health officials advised her not to attend the Lake Zurich event, he said.

Bean also may skip a scheduled event at Eisenhower Junior High School in Hoffman Estates Monday, Oct. 19, where she and Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Damon T. Arnold were set to talk about flu prevention.