Increased M-W middle school absenteeism prompts precautions
|
CENTRAL VALLEY - The Monroe-Woodbury School District has requested parents, faculty and staff take special notice of any flu-like symptoms they or students may develop and follow Orange County Health Department guidelines for taking care of themselves since an increased level of absenteeism - some of it attributed to flu-like symptoms - has been noted in the Monroe-Woodbury Middle School earlier this week.
In a letter sent home to parents on Tuesday, District Superintendent Joseph DiLorenzo noted on “an average Monday, approximately six percent of the students are absent for various reasons including illness. Yesterday, this number increased to 12 percent. Based on phone calls from parents, it is our understanding that many of these students are experiencing influenza-like illness (ILI).” He added Orange County Department is still seeing flu-like symptoms being reported.
On Wednesday afternoon, DiLorenzo said those numbers are continuing, saying within those are a mix of students with strep throats and ear infections. He stressed parents shouldn’t become alarmed; rather they should exercise prudent judgment if they find their children become sick.
“The numbers are still high,” he said. “It is unusual for this time of year to be seeing flu-like illnesses.”
In terms of students, 12 percent of 1,700 or so pupils totals 204 students versus 102 on any average day.
Cases of the H1N1 flu, or “swine flu,” continue to be verified in New York City, with select schools closing as a precaution.
DiLorenzo stressed in his letter there are no confirmed cases of swine flu within district boundaries and “the health department is not advising that we close our schools.” Middle School Principal Elsie Rodriguez is in daily contact with the health department, he added.
|
Cases of the H1N1 flu virus have been found in all 50 states and tests have confirmed the virus in more than 10,000 people across the country. The virus, which spreads easily and causes mostly mild disease, has been diagnosed in 17,564 people in 64 countries, killing 115, according to the World Health Organization as of Wednesday.
But, he said, “as a precaution, we will continue to monitor attendance in all schools and review/adjust our cleaning procedures.” In particular, he said Wednesday, cleaning crews have been requested to give special attention to cleaning key boards, door knobs and areas where student hands’ touch.
As part of the district’s precautionary efforts, the middle school’s concerts and athletic award programs have been rescheduled.
Take heed
Follow the Orange County Department of Health guidelines if you or your family members present with flu-like symptoms of a fever over 100 F., cough, sore throat and muscle aches:
|
|
• Stay home if you or your children are sick.
• If you or your children have the flu, stay home for seven days or one day after symptoms end, whichever is longer.
• Wash your hands with soap and water, especially after you sneeze. Use alcohol-based hand cleaners if soap and water isn’t available. These hand cleaners are also effective.
• Follow proper hygiene habits
|
Post a comment about this story. Be sure to include your name and email to submit a comment. Please note that email addresses are for internal use only and will not be displayed or shared. You can find a copy of our privacy policy in the terms of service link below.
I agree that I have read the Terms of Service and agree to abide by them.
Terms of Service
|
|
