Letter from Superintendant of Schools
Salvatore Corda
Swine Flu Information
April 28, 2009
Dear Parents,
Given the strong concern that everyone is feeling about the emergence of swine flu, we want you to be aware of how we are addressing this issue in our District. Please be assured that we are taking every precaution to protect our children.
What is currently guiding our thinking and decision making...
· We are in close contact with the Norwalk Health Department and the State Education Department to stay current on any developments.
· We will take whatever steps that are necessary to ensure the well being of our students if there are any cases reported in our school district and surrounding communities. We will be guided by the Health Department and other appropriate agencies. At this point, if a confirmed case of swine flu is reported, a school may be closed for several days in order for it to be sanitized. You will, of course be notified, if that situation were to occur.
· At this time, students should continue to attend school as long as they are not sick and do not have flu-like symptoms.
Information about Swine Flu...
Public health officials within the United States and throughout the world are investigating outbreaks of swine influenza (swine flu).
Swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by a type A influenza virus that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza among pigs. Swine flu viruses do not normally infect humans; however, human infections with swine flu do occur. Public health officials have determined that this strain of swine flu virus spreads from human to human and can cause illness.
The outbreak is ongoing and additional cases are expected. The symptoms of swine flu in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu in humans and may include:
· Fever (greater than 100oF or 37.8oC)
· Sore throat
· Cough
· Stuffy nose
· Chills
· Headaches and body aches
· Fatigue
at this point, there is no reason to keep your children home from school. when, and if, it becomes necessary to take drastic steps like closing a school, we will advise you.
please continue to check our website and the district information line (854-4123) for updated and specific information.
school closings, if necessary, will also be available through tv and radio announcements
What the Norwalk Department of Public Health and the State Departments of Education and Public Health are doing...
· Closely monitoring the situation and receiving regular briefings from State health officials
· Increased surveillance for influenza-like illness in the state
· Requested physicians and emergency room directors to submit samples to the DPH Laboratory for testing from patients who are experiencing flu-like symptoms and have recently traveled to affected areas
How to protect yourself and others...
· Avoid contact with ill persons.
· When you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve (if you do not have a tissue). Throw used tissues in a trashcan. Provide your child with a small package of tissues to carry.
· After you cough or sneeze, wash your hands with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand gel. Provide your child with a small bottle of hand sanitizer, if possible.
· Do not share drinking cups or food
· If you think you are ill with flu, avoid close contact with others as much as possible. Call or see your doctor. Stay at home. Do not go to work, school, or travel while ill.
· Please advise us if you, or anyone in your family, have been diagnosed with swine flu. Your privacy will be protected, but we will advise the health authorities and appropriately advise our parents that a case has been reported.
· If your child becomes ill, please keep your child home for at least two days after your child has gotten well. Until that time, avoid any public gatherings.
Where to get more information...
I hope this information has been helpful. Again, we will keep you informed as necessary.
Sincerely,
Salvatore J. Corda, Ph.D
Superintendent of Schools