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closeThursday, Sep. 24, 2009
Swine flu hits smaller Tri-City schools
By Sara Schilling and Michelle Dupler, Herald staff writers
Smaller Tri-City schools and districts are feeling the effects of the likely presence of H1N1 influenza in the Mid-Columbia.
But officials said they're doing their best to educate students and parents about symptoms, and to quell the spread by encouraging those who are sick to stay home and keeping schools extra clean.
"We'll continue to stay vigilant as we move into and through flu season," said Columbia-Burbank Superintendent Lou Gates.
The H1N1 influenza, known as swine flu, was first identified in April and created anxiety among school officials and parents across the country because children and young adults have been more susceptible to catching the virus than older adults who have lived through past flu pandemics and built up immunities.
Some schools in the state and nation were closed during the initial outbreak, but as health and school officials have learned more about the virus, school closures have become a last resort.
Instead, Benton Franklin Health District has worked with school officials to craft messages to convey to students, staff and parents about preventing the spread of germs.
In particular, they're emphasizing hand-washing or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers, covering a cough or sneeze, and staying home if sick.
Gates' district -- like other smaller districts in the area -- has seen a recent increase in student absences. But the numbers have been under control.
In Burbank, they're already going down. For example, in the middle school there were a few students absent the first day of class, including one who reported being sick.
By Sept. 11, there were 30 students absent, with 17 calling in sick.
The number of absences now has dropped off and "we have settled out at this point in time," Gates said.
Heather Hill, communicable disease program manager for the Benton Franklin Health District, said school districts have been asked to report absentee rates of greater than 10 percent to health officials.
The district also has asked school districts to collect information about why students are absent so the progression of influenza in the community can be tracked.
School leaders said they've been in contact with health officials and have sent information on influenza to families.
At Tri-Cities Prep Catholic High School in Pasco, every classroom and common space is stocked with hand sanitizer, and staff and students are being diligent about wiping down desks with disinfectant, said Principal Arlene Jones.
Kiona-Benton City Superintendent Rom Castilleja said parents in his district have been keeping their kids home if they're feeling ill.
"I think it's a credit to our parents that they're following (the advice of health officials)," he said. "We're trying to keep an eye on it and make sure our parents have enough information to make good decisions for their kids."
-- Sara Schilling: 509-582-1402; sschilling@tricityherald.com
-- Michelle Dupler: 509-582-1543; mdupler@tricityherald.com
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