Update on H1 N1

Updated Interim Guidance on Student Dismissal for 2009 H1N1 Flu

This letter is to replace the guidance we sent out on May 1 regarding dismissal of students due to suspected or confirmed cases of infection with the 2009 Influenza A (H1N1) virus. This updated guidance is consistent with new advice received from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and reflects our current understanding of the severity and spread of the outbreak.

These are our recommendations, effective immediately: ·

School closure is not advised for a suspected or confirmed case. In general, closure is not advised for multiple cases unless there is a magnitude of faculty or student absenteeism that interferes with the school’s ability to function. ·

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.·

Parents and guardians should monitor their school-aged children, and faculty and staff should self-monitor every morning for symptoms of influenza-like illness. ·

Ill students should not attend alternative child care or congregate in settings other than school.School administrators should communicate regularly with local public health officials to obtain guidance about reporting of influenza-like illnesses in the school. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is also ready to consult with school officials on this matter.Schools can help serve as a focus for educational activities aimed at promoting ways to reduce the spread of influenza, including hand hygiene and cough etiquette. Students, faculty and staff should stringently follow sanitary measures to reduce the spread of influenza, including covering their nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing (or coughing or sneezing into their sleeve if a tissue isn’t available), frequently washing hands with soap and water, or using hand sanitizer if hand washing with soap and water is not possible.We appreciate the efforts that Kansas educators have taken to protect students, staff and the wider community from infection with this new virus. We will continue to communicate with you about the role of educational institutions in reducing transmission of this virus as our scientific and medical understanding grows.

Thank you for your support of your public health partners during this event.

Yours sincerely,
Jason Eberhart-Phillips, MD,
MPHState Health Officer and Director of Health, KDHE