H1N1 Flu
October 23, 2009
The first seven weeks of the school year have seen 15 of the district's 22 schools report at least one day of student absence rates reaching 10% or higher. This "trigger point" is part of a detailed plan developed by the district to track, report and communicate about H1N1 flu in our schools. The district's plan focuses on prevention and education aimed at students, employees and parents.
The goal is to keep all schools open. However, as part of the planning process, the district is working to identify maximum absenteeism levels among students and staff along with protocols to use if absenteeism levels prompt the need for a school closure. Public health officials suggest a school-wide absence rate of 30% over a period of at least six days may trigger school closure. Central Valley is still working on these protocols.
The H1N1 flu vaccine is now available locally. The Spokane Regional Health District has scheduled several community vaccination clinics for individuals in high risk groups including children and pregnant women. A list of clinics is posted at www.srhd.org. At this time, there are no plans to hold H1N1 vaccinations in Central Valley schools.
October 2, 2009
We are experiencing student absence rates of at least 10% in many of our schools, mostly at the middle and high school level. Hardest hit this week was Evergreen Middle School and University High School. Staff absences are also up over last year's rates. The district today mailed a letter to the parents of 1,000 medically at-risk students, urging parents to consult with their health care provider and consider seeking the H1N1 vaccine for their child.
September 8, 2009
With school back in session, Central Valley is preparing for an active influenza season with cases of H1N1 flu (formerly called 'swine' flu) and seasonal flu expected in our schools over the coming weeks and months. The district is working closely with local public health officials at the Spokane Regional Health District and is reviewing and adjusting the district's pandemic influenza plan.
In our schools, students are being reminded to stay healthy through frequent hand washing and covering their coughs and sneezes with a sleeve or tissue. School employeees are alert for students with any flu-like symptoms and are acting quickly to send ill students home. Flu-like symptoms include fever (100 degrees or higher), cough, sneezing, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, tiredness or extreme exhaustion.
Parents are asked to help prevent the spread of influenza and other viruses in schools by keeping sick children at home until completely well, providing details about the child's symptoms when reporting student absences and reinforcing proper hand washing and hygiene techniques with children throughout the year.
Parent Letter from Superintendent Small - September 2009 (pdf)
Resources:
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May 1, 2009
In response to outbreaks of H1N1 Swine Flu across North America and countries around the world, the U.S. has declared a public health emergency. Although Central Valley Schools are not affected at this time, the district has been monitoring the evolving situation and working closely with local public health officials.
Parent Letter from Superintendent Small - May 1, 2009 (pdf)
In addition to sending a letter home to parents today, the district has taken the following actions:
- Reviewed and implemented pieces of the CVSD Pandemic Influenza Plan
- Asked teachers to review and emphasize proper hand washing, coughing and sneezing procedures with students - an ongoing effort throughout the school year
- Restocked schools with additional supply of hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes for use in classrooms
- Increased attention to frequent wiping and disinfecting of common surfaces in schools by custodians (eg: doorknobs, tables, countertops, etc.)
- Stocked school buses with supplies of disinfectant wipes for drivers to wipe down surfaces
- Reminded students, parents and staff with flu-like symptoms to stay home
- Created this website to post updated information for parents and community members, as necessary
- Asked schools to track reports of flu-like illness among students and staff
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