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H1N1 Closes 5 Schools In WI
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Story Updated: Oct 7, 2009
The Wisconsin Dells School District announced on Tuesday that they would be closing five schools due to increased influenza like illness (ILI). Schools will reopen on Monday October 12th.
Wisconsin Dells High School had 170 out of 587 students out sick on Monday October 5th, and 180 students out sick on Tuesday October 6th, and many more at school who were showing ILI symptoms.
An adjacent middle school and grade school also had significant illness with 10% of each schools student body out sick.
CDC and DHS continue to stress that school closure should be used as a last resort.
However, if there are a significant number of sick students in one school or a number of schools that share facilities or buses, a limited closure may be the best option.
In most cases those decisions are made by the local health department in consultation with the school, the school district and DHS.
Parents are reminded that keeping sick children home from school until 24 hours after they are free of fever (100°F [37.8°C] or greater) with the aid of medication is the safest way to prevent the spread of any illness.
DHS is also encouraging parents to have a pre-designated plan for caring for a sick child at home for the duration of a school exclusion period, which for most children will by 3 to 5 days.
Currently, Wisconsin is experiencing elevated flu activity in most areas of the state, with cases reported from 48 of Wisconsin’s 72 counties.
99% of all the circulating influenza viruses have been confirmed as H1N1.
DHS has not yet seen the type of week-to-week community escalation that occurred in the spring, however, in the Southern United States – where schools opened in August – they are experiencing escalating outbreaks that we could very well see here in Wisconsin.
No H1N1 viruses in the state have been found to be resistant to antiviral medications.
Since September 1, 2009, Wisconsin has had 17 hospitalizations and 1 death.
There have been 9 deaths statewide since the first H1N1 cases were seen in Wisconsin this spring.
Mary says ...
On Wednesday, Oct 7 at 11:34 PM
My child came home from school saying that they learned to cough and sneeze into their elbow with Germy Wormie, and I was totally taken aback. I always covered with my hands. But I went to the website and now I get it, hands touch, elbows don't!! Kids can touch 300 surfaces in 1/2 hour and they hate to wash their hands. This is a simple thing that can make a huge difference. There is also a DVD that teaches them in a fun way the elbow cough, as well as other necessary hygiene habits.