H1N1 Flu (formerly known as the Swine Flu)
NOTE: This page will be updated as more information becomes available.
Information Issued during the 2009-2010 School Year:
The Connecticut Departments of Public Health (DPH) and Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS) are providing a weekly CT H1N1 Situation Report. We are posting the weekly reports as of December 2009:
Report Period:
Carol Merlone, Superintendent of Schools, issued a letter to all parents and guardians on September 11, 2009 regarding the opening of the new school year and updated information about the Novel H1N1 influenza strain.
Information Issued during the 2008-2009 School Year:
Diane Conway, Assistant Superintendent of Schools, and Lou Puglisi, principal of Prendergast School, issued a letter to parents of Prendergast School on Monday, June 8, 2009. Carol Merlone, Superintendent of Schools, issued a follow-up letter to Prendergast School parents on Tuesday, June 9, 2009, a second follow-up letter on Wednesday, June 10, 2009, and a third follow-up on Friday, June 12, 2009..
On May 7, 2009, the State Department of Public Health released a new letter for parents, dated May 6, 2009; guidelines on when to keep your child home, and H1N1 flu facts for families.
On May 5, 2009, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention posted updated interim guidance on school (K-12) and childcare facilities: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/k12_dismissal.htm
At this time, CDC recommends the primary means to reduce spread of influenza in schools focus on early identification of ill students and staff, staying home when ill, and good cough and hand hygiene etiquette. Decisions about school closure should be at the discretion of local authorities based on local considerations, including public concern and the impact of school absenteeism and staffing shortages.
The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) recommends that the May 5, 2009 updated guidelines from CDC be used to guide policy decisions here in Connecticut. Previous interim guidelines from the Connecticut Department of Public Health for school (K-12) and childcare facilities no longer apply and are no longer available on the DPH website: http://www.ct.gov/ctfluwatch/cwp/view.asp?a=2533&q=439092
Information posted April 30, 2009:
Carol Merlone, Ansonia Superintendent of Schools, issued two letters to parents about precautions to take related to the Swine Flu (letter dated April 29, 2009 - English version, Spanish version) and the most current report on swine flu in Connecticut schools as of April 30, 2009 (letter dated April 30, 2009). Copies of these letters will be distributed in our schools for students to bring home. Future information will also be posted on this page.
Other Resources:
Connecticut Department of Public Health
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. - Know What To Do About the Flu
Last Updated: December 30, 2009