Public Health Officials Lift Directive to Dismiss Classes
at Moiola Elementary School
For
Immediate Release: May 5, 2009
Contact: Howard
Sutter (714) 448-0750
(Santa Ana) - Based on revised guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued today, the Orange County Health Care Agency (OCHCA) has notified Fred Moiola Elementary School that students may return to school.
CDC is currently recommending that school dismissal is not advised for a suspected or confirmed case of novel influenza A (H1N1) unless there is significant faculty or student absenteeism that interferes with the school’s ability to function. “When the original decision to dismiss classes was made, we indicated we would evaluate the decision on an on-going basis,” said Dr. Eric Handler, County Health Officer. “We are pleased that the revised guidance from the CDC allowed us to reconsider the need for continued student dismissal at Moiola Elementary School.”
Following review of the circumstances around the student dismissal at Fred Moiola Elementary School in Fountain Valley, OCHCA is advising school officials today that school may resume tomorrow with specific recommendations.
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Reinforce with parents that children must not come to school if ill
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Promptly separate from others and send home any students and staff who have influenza-like illness
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Review and reinforce with students good hygiene practices (see below)
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Monitor absenteeism and determine the reasons for absences
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Report any unusual absenteeism, increase in febrile illness or clusters of illness among students and/or staff to Orange County Public Health
General prevention measures include the following.
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Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
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Wash your hands often with soap and water,
especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand
cleaners are also effective.
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Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
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If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
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Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
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Do not share personal items such as towels or utensils.
For information about H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) in Orange County, visit the Health Care Agency website at
www.ochealthinfo.com. General information about H1N1 Flu is also available through the Health Care Agency’s Health Referral Line at (800) 564-8448 or through the California Department of Public Health’s H1N1 Hotline at (888) 865-0564.
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