Broken Arrow, OK –
On August 19, 2009, a student from Wolf Creek Elementary was diagnosed with a strongly suspected case of the novel H1N1 influenza virus, called by many-swine flu.
The student is at home under doctor's care and won't return to school until symptom free. The Center for Disease Control reminds all that students diagnosed with swine flu or regular flu should remain at home avoiding contact with others until the child has been symptom free including no fever for 24 hours.
The School District continues to follow the CDC guidelines which say schools should remain open even if a case of swine flu is found in that school.
BAPS Lead Nurse Doug Drill said the symptoms of Swine Flu are similar to seasonal influenza and include fever greater than 100 degrees, body aches, headache, coughing, sore throat, respiratory congestions and in some cases, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
BAPS continues to encourage students to wash their hands frequently and cover their mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.
The school district regularly disinfects all areas of a school utilizing the latest advancement in germ-cleaning ingredients to clean rooms and all areas of the school district daily.
"Our parents expect clear and open communication from the school district on this issue," Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Gary Gerber said. "We also hope that parents clearly communicate symptoms of their students when notifying our school of any absences."
The School District used its all-call system to alert all parents about the diagnosis. In addition, BAPS has posted a list of frequently asked questions and answers related to the Swine Flu on the district's website at www.baschools.org.
Parents with additional questions may contact the school nurse or health professional at their child's school. Information is also available by logging onto the CDC website at www.cdc.gov.