Yesterday, I sent a note out to report on a probable case of H1N1 in a person connected to the Rocori Middle School. That probability was confirmed this morning when officials from the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) announced that the CDC has identified the virus as H1N1 (swine flu). Health officials have also been careful to report that the individual who was infected was never seriously ill and is now well on the way to recovery.
Indeed, all of the steps taken by the MDH and the Rocori school have been purely precautionary. In many ways, the swine flu virus is looking and acting like the kind of influenza that moves through the country every year. What makes this one different, apparently, is that it is a new strain so greater caution is in order.
I was involved in a phone conference call with MDH and Minnesota Department of Education officials late yesterday afternoon. On the line were the superintendents of nearly all of the districts in the immediate vicinity of Rocori. We had the chance to get detailed information regarding swine flu and we were able to ask many of the questions which are coming in to our own school districts. We received the kinds of assurances parents and caregivers would want to have regarding the safety of our children. We were all comforted in the call. The MDH provided an excellent link to us. You can find up to date information at http://education.state.mn.us/mdeprod/groups/communications/documents/announcement/013894.pdf
We will continue to follow the advice of the MDH as we attempt to keep our students on the usual course of studies and activities this spring. In yesterday's message, I highlighted the kinds of common sense procedures we should all follow: wash hands thoroughly and regularly, cover coughs, and stay home when sick. We should all be able to continue to go about our daily lives knowing that state health officials are taking all of the appropriate steps--including making sure schools are informed--to keep people safe. We will continue to count on you to help--and to offer our children ongoing assurances of calm and caring support. I will provide additional information as it becomes available.
