Reopening schools heighten flu concerns

WESTFALL — As Delaware Valley schools reopen Monday, influenza is a concern that has been anticipated, according to District Superintendent Dr. Candis Finan. Flu outbreaks historically increase in the cold weather months and health officials anticipate that the number of H1N1, “swine flu,” cases will increase sharply later this year. Younger and school age people seem to be those most often hit by this influenza strain. Finan said Wednesday that the district has taken several practical steps to fight off infections in the classrooms. “All the authorities say that handwashing will be key and we want students to know that,” she said. The district has provided anti-bacterial soaps and hand sanitizers for all elementary classrooms. Additionally, hand sanitizer dispensers have been installed in all the cafeterias. Beyond a thorough summer cleaning of equipment, sterilizing disposable wipes will be provided to wipe down keyboards in computer labs, desktops and other common use items. The district will continue to enforce its rule about requiring students returning after an illness to be fever-free for 24 hours before coming back to class. “We know it may be difficult for working parents, but they will be called when students develop fevers,” Finan said. Finan said she has learned from state and federal health authorities that school closures will only be used as a last option. If there are marked increases in flu infections, Delaware Valley will first consider cancellation of extracurricular events, including field trips and sports activities. The district’s Web site, www.dvsd.org will be employed to keep parents in touch with updates from health authorities, she said. H1N1 flu statistics As of Aug. 21, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports national totals including: 7,983 H1N1 cases and 522 deaths. Some 495 deaths have occurred since June 5. The Pa. Department of Health reports 1,967 confirmed cases; 71 probable ; and 10 deaths. As of Aug 14, infections of H1N1 by age groups in PA show the highest rates are among children 10-14 years, at 28.3%. Some 72 percent of all those cases are among people from 5 to 29 years of age; and of those, public school ages 5 to 19 comprise 58.9 percent of all PA cases. Since Sept. 28, 2008, CDC has received 105 reports of influenza-associated pediatric deaths that occurred during the current influenza season, 37 of which were due to 2009 influenza A (H1N1) virus infections.