CVCS Has Swine Flu Case
Fifth-Grader Confirmed As Chautauqua County’s Second Swine Flu SuffererBy Joan Josephson, editorial@post-journal.com
CASSADAGA - A Cassadaga Elementary fifth-grader has a confirmed case of swine flu, it was announced Wednesday.
The student reportedly has not been hospitalized and has what has been described as a mild case of the flu. It is the second case in Chautauqua County. A student at Bemus Point Elementary School was diagnosed with swine flu in early May.
Superintendent John Brown said the student was last in school on June 19.
"We have been told those exposed to the flu will come down with symptoms within seven days, which makes the deadline this Friday. Our last day for elementary students is Thursday and the Chautauqua County Health Department has said we can keep school open," Brown said.
He also said the school physician, Dr. Robert Berke, has been contacted about the swine flu report.
Dr. Berke is also the Health Department's county physician, but he was not available to comment Wednesday. Melissa Lyon, a Health Department representative, said a news release will be sent out today.
Brown said CVCS district parents and guardians should receive a letter that is being mailed out on today as well. In it, he said summer school program for pre-kindergartners through fifth grade students will be held as planned.
The letter indicates the Health Department has said students can come to school as long as they are not sick and do not have flu symptoms.
Flu-like symptoms include a fever over 100 degrees F., feverishness, a cough, runny nose or a stuffed nose. Additional symptoms experienced with swine flu include muscle pain, fatigue, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea.
"Flu spreads easily and if you suspect your child is getting the flu, have your family physician check him or her; it is equally important that the child does not attend school or go anywhere else such as group childcare, the mall or where others would be exposed," the letter notes.
It also states children and adults should wash their hands often with soap and warm water used for at least 20 seconds.
"That's as long as it takes to sing Happy Birthday twice," the letter stated.
Children should be taught to keep their hands away from their faces and to avoid touching their mouths, noses or eyes. They should also be taught to cover coughs and sneezes with tissues or by coughing into their elbows, not into their hands.
"Help your children to learn healthy habits by setting a good example by doing them yourself," the letter recipients are being told.
Brown said if everyone practices good hygiene, health officials believe we can limit the spread of swine flu in our community.
Anyone seeking additional information regarding this flu outbreak can telephone the New York State Department of Health Flu Hotline at 1-800-1987 or go online to www.health.state.ny.us.
