JEFFCO Public Schools - News Release

May 1, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information:
Melissa Reeves, mdreeves@jeffco.k12.co.us, Jeffco Public Schools, 303-982-6567
Lynn Setzer, lsetzer@jeffco.k12.co.us, Jeffco Public Schools, 303-982-6810

JEFFCO SCHOOLS ON HIGH ALERT TO HANDLE H1N1 FLU CASES

Currently, there have been NO confirmed cases of the H1N1 flu (Swine Flu) in Jefferson County and there are no plans at this time to close any Jeffco Public schools because of the virus.

Jeffco has a Pandemic Flu Plan that will be put into effect should it become necessary. The district remains in close contact with the county and state health departments for frequent updates.

Because this situation is very fluid and information changes by the hour, Jeffco wants to reassure our public that we will act quickly and rationally to protect our staff and students during this outbreak.

We are taking the opportunity to remind our students and their families to practice health tips from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and updating parents through the district Web site at www.jeffcopublicschools.org or phone calls should any action be necessary regarding the health and safety of students.

Schools are ensuring soap dispensers are filled in school restrooms so that good hand washing practices for students and staff may be followed.

The district requests:

All persons with mild flu-like illness to stay home, regardless of travel history.
Children and adolescents with fever to stay home from day care or school.
Adults with fever to not go to work until their symptoms resolve.
Individuals with severe illness, such as difficulty breathing, to immediately contact their health care provider.

Students or staff who complain of fever or flu-like symptoms should be released to go home and remain at home and refrain from engaging in community or school events until symptoms are fully resolved, which in most cases is within 7 days of the start of symptoms.