There has been one officially confirmed case of the H1N1 virus — or swine flu — at Community Middle School. According to a press release sent out on June 10 by the school district, health officials have confirmed that one student had been infected with the H1N1 virus. The press release also stated that there has been one suspected case of the virus of a student at High School South.
That “student is better at this time, and is back at school,” said district spokeswoman Gerri Hutner.
School officials have stressed that the district is following all proper protocols as stated by district policy, as well as mandates from the state Department of Health and Senior Services.
Hutner explained the process of confirmation for a suspected H1N1 case. “Confirmation would come from the health professional who treated or is treating the student, which would be then sent directly to the Department of Health, which would then contact the school district,” Hutner said.
She said officials had been following the most recently updated guidelines, which were released on June 2. “Since we have no confirmed cases at this time, we have nothing we can do, except continue communication” with the district’s parents, students, and staff.
The press release states that there are 31 suspected cases of Influenza A in the district. “We will continue to monitor student and staff absentee rates and reasons,” the press release stated.
The press release also stated the guidelines in effect to help eliminate worry and concern. Students and staff members who are fever-free for 24 hours, with no underlying conditions, should return to school after the 24-hour period. Students and staff who take antibiotics for 24 hours, with no underlying conditions, should also return to school after the 24-hour period.
Those who have a fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or greater and additional respiratory symptoms, like cough, sore throat, and no other underlying conditions, should return to school after seven days without a fever. Those who have gone to a health care professional and have been diagnosed with Influenza A — with symptoms of fever, sore throat, and/or cough — and no underlying conditions should return to school after seven days without a fever. And those who have gone to a health care professional and have been diagnosed with H1N1 (with symptoms that are the same — fever, sore throat, and/or cough) and no underlying conditions should return to school after seven days without a fever.
“District officials are asking parents who keep their children home due to illness should be very specific about the reason and should report symptoms and temperature, if any, along with any underlying health conditions,” the press release states. The press release asks staff members to do the same.
Guidelines for keeping students healthy, including frequent hand washing and avoiding touching your eyes, nose, or mouth, were also included in the press release.
