We were informed today that a student in grade 7 at Carleton Washburne School
has been diagnosed with a probable case of the H1N1 flu virus ("swine flu").
Probable means that there is a high likelihood that the student has the H1N1 virus. This student was identified early and has been home since the on-set of symptoms.



We have spoken with the Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH).
The recommendation of CCDPH is that schools remain open unless there is a
significant increase in student absence due to illness. Daily attendance is being closely monitored in all our schools and at this point there has not been an increase in absenteeism.



We sincerely hope this letter does not cause alarm. Our intent is to communicate
openly with you and avoid any misinterpretation of the facts. We will keep you
posted as we receive new information. In addition:

• We ask all parents to keep their children home from school and
  extracurricular events when the children are feeling ill, and to report the
  symptoms to the school as soon as possible.
  
• Teachers throughout our District are reminding students of the absolute
  necessity of hand washing and germ prevention.
  

For your convenience, we are providing the following information about H1N1
flu as well as these websites you may reference for further information.



Department of Education: www.ed.gov



Click swine flu information link:

www.ed.gov/blog/2009/04/public-health-officials-offer-swine-flu-guidance-to-schools


CDC swine influenza website:

www.cdc.gov/swineflu

www.pandemicflu.gov

www.idph.state.il.us/swine_flu



Cook County Department of Public Health: www.cookcountypublichealth.org/swine_flu



Please feel free to contact us if you have additional questions or concerns.


Sincerely,

Mary B. Herrmann, Ph.D.

Superintendent



Jane Zaleski, R.N.

District-Wide School Nurse