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About Our District Virus FAQs and answers  April 30, 2009 -- In response to a confirmed case of H1N1 novel virus (swine flu) in the state of Minnesota, Mounds View Public Schools would like to answer some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the health of our students, staff and our school community. We're providing the following information as a communication service for those who wish to learn more, not as a signal to alarm families of an anticipated outbreak. Is there reason to be concerned about this virus? Health experts suggest concern is appropriate, but panic and fear are unnecessary responses. What kind of infection control protocol does every school use? Cleaning and sanitizing efforts are continuing throughout all areas of the buildings, including the bathrooms and school health offices. Schools continue to encourage students to regularly wash hands. What role are staff members playing? We have asked all staff members to be aware of students exhibiting any Influenza-like or upper respiratory symptoms. These symptoms include fever, cough, body aches and difficulty breathing. (They do not include gastrointestinal symptoms.) We have asked staff to direct anyone exhibiting Influenza-like symptoms to the school health office. We have also asked staff members to stay home from work if they are ill with these symptoms. What role can parents play? Parents should keep children home from school if they are ill, and they should contact their health care provider if their children exhibit Influenza-like symptoms. This provider would likely perform an exam and conduct preliminary tests according to Minnesota Department of Health guidelines. We ask parents to remind children that the best defense is frequent, thorough hand washing (with soap or alcohol-based hand cleaner), and to avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth with their hands. Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or doing so in the upper sleeve -- and not your hands -- is also essential. How would families learn if a student or staff member tests positive? If the Minnesota Department of Health suspects type H1N1 or another novel type, they will send tests to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). At that time, it is likely that the Department of Health would recommend a corresponding school closure while awaiting test results. In the event of a positive result, Mounds View Public Schools would cooperate with the recommended Minnesota Department of Health protocol for releasing and announcing information. Could schools close and for how long? If the CDC confirms a test as positive for H1N1, the Minnesota Department of Health would likely recommend a seven-day school closure. It's also possible that the Minnesota Department of Health would recommend a school closure while awaiting test results for a suspected case of H1N1. The Minnesota Department of Health could also recommend a district close multiple schools in the district if there are shared services between district buildings. In the event of a school closing, the District would notify parents through its Mounds View Messaging voicemail and e-mail service. News would also be posted on the District's web site at www.moundsviewschools.org and on cable access Channel 20. If a school were closed, all after-school and evening activities (including Community Education) would be cancelled at the involved school and off-campus. How can I learn more? * Contact your primary health care provider. * Call the Department of Health hotline 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. at 1-800-657-3903 or visit online at www.health.state.mn.us * The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov/swineflu * What is influenza? Download a fact sheet at www.moundsviewschools.org * For information related to your specific student or school, you may contact Nancy Haugen, MS, RN, Lead School Nurse, Mounds View Public Schools, 651-621-6875, nancy.haugen@moundsviewschools.org |
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