In the Past Few Days, the News Media Has Made the Public Aware of the Confirmed and Suspected

May 1, 2009

Dear Parent/Guardian,

In the past few days, the news media has made the public aware of the confirmed and suspected cases of the swine flu in Mexico and a few parts of the United States. State officials, led by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), have been monitoring the situation and continue to observe this situation very closely.

To date, no confirmed cases of swine influenza have occurred in Wisconsin despite intensive surveillance. However, state health officials believe it is quite possible that some may be reported in the next few days. The best information we have at this time is that there is no immediate risk to our community and there is no cause for alarm.

We are working with the state and county health departments as we monitor the situation, and we are participating in recommended surveillance and monitoring procedures. We are also continuing our standard practice of disinfecting all desk tops and flat surfaces including door knobs and handles within our school buildings.

Swine influenza A virus is a new virus that has not been identified previously in people, and viral person-to-person transmission appears to be occurring. Swine flu is thought to be spread via person to person contact though contaminated air droplets from coughing and sneezing from an infected person. The virus is not spread by food including pork or pork products. Eating properly cooked and handled pork products is safe.

We do advise anyone who has flu-like symptoms to stay home. The symptoms of swine flu in people are expected to be similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

The Center for Disease Control recommends the following measures to reduce the spread of viruses:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
• Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. If a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into the crook of your arm. Always, immediately wash your hands afterward.
• Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
• Practice other good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.

Under state law (Wisconsin Statute Chapter 252.02(3), the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, through the State Health officer or a Local health Officer, may close schools, and forbid public gatherings in schools, churches, and other places to control outbreaks. Therefore, even though there is no need to implement this law at this time, parents should plan ahead for the possibility of a school closure and for how their children could be cared for in their home.

Thank you for your attention to this information. If you have any questions regarding this situation, please feel free to contact me.

Sincerely,

Robert Reynolds

District Administrator

School District of Slinger