Earlier today this email notification was distributed by ROCORI School District Superintendent.
ROCORI Parents:
Late last night, I was made aware of a probable case of H1N1 novel influenza (formerly known as swine flu) within the ROCORI School District. An individual from the ROCORI Middle School site has been experiencing "flu-like symptoms" of an undetermined flu strain. According to the information shared with me, the symptoms of the individual are not alarming but the flu strain was determined to need further characterization at Centers for Disease Control. The individual is recovering without complications. Health officials are working to determine the specific flu strain involved, but it is possible that the strain is H1N1 novel influenza.
As a precautionary measure, purely as an effort to be very cautious and proactive, I have made a decision to close the ROCORI Middle School site on Wednesday, April 29. School will be conducted as usual at the High School, Cold Spring Elementary, Richmond Elementary, and John Clark Elementary sites, but we will close ROCORI Middle School.
The decision to close the Middle School is a very precautionary measure to respond to the possible novel influenza case. As health officials continue their work, we will learn more about this specific case. Because the specific strain is not known, we are taking the extra caution of closing the Middle School to help prevent the spread of any strain of influenza. The decision was made in consultation with state health and governing officials.
There is not, at this time, cause for alarm. The symptoms experienced by the individual, in this case, are not unusual nor severe. In fact, the information shared with me is that the individual appears in much better condition as each day passes. We do advise, however, that parents and families take good care of any individuals who are ill and use best practices to prevent the spread of disease.
The Minnesota Department of Health advises that general safety precautions be exercised. Infection prevention measures include simple steps such as
*covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing or coughing into your covered elbow rather than your hands
*washing your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub and
*staying home when you are sick
Additional information on the H1N1 influenza strain is available from the Minnesota Department of Health. The website at www.health.state.mn.us has helpful information about influenza and other communicable diseases. The Department of Health may also be contacted at a hotline beginning at 6:15 am at 1-800-657-3903.
As a precautionary measure, the ROCORI Middle School is closed on April 29, 2009. Parents of children at other sites should exercise good judgment regarding their children. As noted, as a general safety precaution, students who are ill should stay home in order to prevent the spread of illness or disease to others.
Thank you for your understanding. Please do not hesitate to contact the District Office or the Minnesota Department of Health if you have questions.
Scott R. Staska
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******* Information below provided by Mn Department of Health
Swine Influenza Basics
Updated 4/28/09
There have been no reported cases of this new swine influenza in Minnesota. State health officials are monitoring the situation closely and have increased disease surveillance.
On this page:
What you can do
Swine Influenza Resources
Pandemic Resources
What You Can Do to Stay Healthy
There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
- If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
Stopping the Spread of Germs at Home, Work & School
CDC provides guidance on preventing the spread of germs.
Swine Influenza Resources
- Swine Influenza and You
Questions and answers from CDC on swine influenza. Attention: Non-MDH
Pandemic Resources
- General Information - PandemicFlu.gov
Overview of pandemics, and the possible pandemic threat we're facing right now. Attention: Non-MDH link
- Pandemic Flu Planning Checklist for Individuals and Families
Checklist from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to help you prepare. Attention: Non-MDH link
*********** FIRST DEATH REPORTED IN U.S. **********
- The Centers for Disease Control says the swine flu has killed a 23-month old child in Texas. This is the first confirmed death due to swine flu in the U.S. The acting director of the CDC Dr. Richard Bresser says he does not believe this indicates any change in the strain of the swine flu and would not say if it will lead to a nationwide problem. The CDC director is not releasing any other details of the first confirmed swine flu death in the U.S. We'll bring you more information as it becomes available.
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