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NHCS Working with NHC Health Department on H1N1 Influenza Cases

The New Hanover County Health Department has confirmed that there are four cases of the H1N1 influenza virus in New Hanover County. There are three students from Gregory Elementary School of Science, Mathematics and Technology who have been confirmed with the virus and one student from Snipes Academy of Arts and Design. The parents of these students have been notified and the children are recovering at home. They will remain at home for the full recommended seven-day recovery period.

New Hanover County Schools is working closely with the NHC Health Department and our school-based public health nurses to monitor the situation for the entire district. At this time, all New Hanover County Schools, including Gregory and Snipes, remain open. School closure has not been recommended by the public health officials at this time.

NHCS was notified about the confirmed cases today at a 2 p.m. news conference held by the NHC Health Department. Parents of students at Gregory and Snipes will receive an ALERT NOW call today notifying them of the situation. Letters to those parents have been posted on the district’s website at www.nhcs.net and will be sent home with students tomorrow.

The following are some answers to questions parents may have:

1. Is it safe to send my child to school?
Yes, according to the guidelines established by national, state and local public health officials, it is safe to send students to school at this time. NHCS will notify parents immediately if the situation changes.

2. What can parents do?
The following information can help residents prevent transmission of the H1N1 influenza.

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
• Avoid close contact with those who are sick
• Stay at home if you are sick. Keep sick children at home.

3. What are the schools doing about this?
NHCS is monitoring the situation closely and remaining in constant contact with the Health Department. In addition, we will update parents with any information as soon as it becomes available.

4. What if my child is displaying flu symptoms?
Please take your child to your health care provider if you think your child is becoming ill.

For additional information on the H1N1 influenza virus, please call the State of NC Care Line at 1-800-662-7030 or go to the NC Division of Public Health website at www.ncpublichealth.com. The New Hanover County Health Department message line (910) 798-6684 also has additional information.

 

News/Announcements

5/28/09