Dell Rapids Public School News

09/25/2009

H1N1/FLU Information by Tom Ludens (Superintendent)

H1N1 IconThe Dell Rapids School District is working closely with local, state and federal health officials to monitor the spread of the H1N1 flu virus as cases appear in our community.

We are asking parents/guardians to remind their children about basic prevention efforts.  We can reduce the spread of all illnesses – including H1N1 – by practicing proper hygiene, such as covering the nose and mouth with tissue when coughing or sneezing, washing hands frequently with soap and warm water, or using hand sanitizer, if soap and water are not available.

Current guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) advise that students who exhibit flu-like symptoms – including a fever of 100 degrees or more, with a cough or sore throat – should stay home from school for at least 24 hours after they are fever-free, without the use of fever-reducing medication.

Because the H1N1 flu virus is no more severe – and no less severe – than the seasonal flu, the Dell Rapids School District will follow standard practice of schools across the country and will not be notifying parents/guardians each time a case of H1N1 appears in our schools.  The Dell Rapids School District will continue to communicate with parents/guardians throughout the school year, as becomes necessary.

The school district, the county health department and the South Dakota Department of Health are following the CDC recommendation to assess risks by monitoring and reporting student and staff absences weekly.  School closures are not expected unless there is a concentration of student or staff absenteeism that interferes with the school’s ability to function.

The above recommendations by the CDC are subject to change based on ongoing surveillance and continuous risk assessment.

Additional updated information can be found on the SD Department of Health’s website at http://doh.sd.gov or the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) at http://www.cdc.gov.