There have been a total of 11 confirmed cases of swine flu in Prince William County schools in recent weeks.
The school system received confirmation of the cases of the H1N1 virus from the Prince William Health District on Tuesday, said schools spokesman Ken Blackstone.
Two of the cases were at Stonewall Jackson High School, five were at West Gate Elementary School, and one each were at Sinclair Elementary School, Stonewall Middle School, Mullen Elementary School and Tyler Elementary School, Blackstone said.
The suspected cases were reported to the Prince William County Health District within the last couple of days.
The district confirmed and reported the findings to the county school system, Blackstone said.
“People go to their private doctors and the doctors will determine whether they feel like they need to contact the health department,” Blackstone said.
The reported cases have been no more serious than any other flu, Blackstone said.
“It is now clear that this virus is circulating in the community; however, according to health officials, the severity of the virus does not appear to be any more severe than seasonal flu,” Blackstone said in a Prince William County Schools press release.
When officials at the school system learned of the cases of swine flu they sent a letter and an automated phone call to parents of the affected schools, Blackstone said.
Wednesday is the last day of school and all schools will remain open, Blackstone said.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s most recent recommendations, a school should be considered for closing only if there is a significant amount of absenteeism among staff or students, said Prince William Health District director Dr. Alison Ansher.
Recommended measures to keep families healthy include:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water. Clean hands with an alcohol-based hand cleaner if soap and water are not available.
- Cover your nose and mouth with your sleeve or a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth to prevent the spread of germs.
- Avoid close contact with those who have flu symptoms.
- If you need to seek care, call ahead to your health care provider’s office and tell them what symptoms you have, so they can see you quickly and prevent exposing other people in the waiting room.
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