No Confirmed Cases in Pasadena Unified Schools

Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) Superintendent Edwin Diaz today issued the following statement regarding the District’s response to concerns about reported cases of the swine flu:

"We have not received any reports of confirmed cases of the H1N1 virus, or swine flu, in Pasadena Unified schools from local and county public health officials. Yesterday, May 5, the federal Centers for Disease Control(CDC) advised schools against automatic closure in response to confirmed cases of H1N1 virus. A summary of the CDC’s revised recommendations follows:

• School closure is not advised for a suspected or confirmed case of novel influenza A (H1N1) and, in general, is not advised unless there is a magnitude of faculty or student absenteeism that interferes with the school’s ability to function.
• Schools that were closed based on previous interim CDC guidance related to this outbreak may reopen.
• Students, faculty or staff with influenza-like illness (fever with a cough or sore throat) should stay home and not attend school or go into the community except to seek medical care for at least 7 days even if symptoms resolve sooner.
• Students, faculty and staff who are still sick 7 days after they become ill should continue to stay home from school until at least 24 hours after symptoms have resolved.
• Students, faculty and staff who appear to have an influenza-like illness at arrival or become ill during the school day should be isolated promptly in a room separate from other students and sent home.

At this time, CDC recommends the primary means to reduce spread of influenza in schools is to focus on early identification of ill students and staff, stay home when ill, and practice good cough and hand hygiene etiquette. Decisions about school closure should be at the discretion of local authorities based on local considerations, including public concern and the impact of school absenteeism and staffing shortages.

To see the complete CDC update, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/K12_dismissal.htm. For updates and additional information, please visit www.pusd.us or call the Pasadena Public Health Department at (626) 744-7445 during business hours and at (626) 744-6012 after hours.