On Oct. 27, Goodrich School District officials reported confirmed cases of H1N1 flu virus at Oaktree Elementary School.
Parents were notified of the cases and it was recommended by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention that students do not return to school until 24 hours after the fever has subsided without the use of fever-reducing medication.
School District Superintendent John Fazer said during the course of the last five days, the absentee rate has increased from 5 percent to 13.5 percent.
‘This is not alarming at this time. There is no need to consider closing school, unless the rate reaches 25 percent,? he said.
‘We’ve been on a roller-coaster with regard to the number of absent students. The cases of H1N1 flu virus were reported by the students? parents’there have been others at the middle school.?
‘As always, we will continue to disinfect and promote a safe environment for our students. Treatment for the H1N1 virus flu is the same as for the regular seasonal flu.?
Fazer encourages parents to notify our school offices if students exhibits flu symptoms.
Lorrie McMahon, Brandon school district superintendent, reported a slight increase in absences during the last couple days, but until then, things were normal.
‘This past week, we’ve had an increase, but we’re still not to the point of closing,? said McMahon.
‘We continue to watch, and will definitely close down if it gets to be too many kids that are out. Oakwood Elementary had 18 percent absent Tuesday, and that is high. We encourage adults and kids in the buildings to stay home until symptoms are gone for 24 hours.?
Data and Pupil Services Coordinator Patti Dixon said 10.7 percent were absent district-wide on Wednesday, up from an average of about 8.5 percent.
‘We’re up a little,? said Dixon. ‘Oakwood peaked yesterday and is coming back down. Hopefully this is the height of it and we’ll get everyone healthy and back to school.
Oakwood dropped to 16 percent absent on Wednesday (60 students). Harvey Swanson has 14 percent absent Wednesday (58) Belle Ann had 15 percent absent on Wednesday (50); BFIS had 60 absent (13 percent), 42 absent at BMS, (8 percent) and Brandon High School had 85 absent (6 percent).
Websites and a toll free hotline to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to obtain general information on Novel H1N1 Flu, tips on how to care for a person infected with H1N1, information on the H1N1 vaccine and antiviral drugs.1-800-CDC-INFO. www.cdc.gov or www. gchd.us.