By Stephanie Lucero - NORTH TEXAS (CBS 11 News) ― April 27, 2009
Canyon Creek Elementary school, in the Richardson Independent School District, has confirmed one case of Swine Flu on the campus and closed for the remainder of the week. Other North Texas school districts are monitoring the situation and informing school officials, parents, and students today about Human Swine Influenza.
Tim Clark, the director of communications for Richardson ISD, confirmed that there is one confirmed case, one probable case and one suspected case of Swine Flu on the Canyon Creek campus.
A Richardson ISD principal told CBS 11 News that none of the students with confirmed, probable or suspected cases have had to be hospitalized. Officials say some 50 students at Canyon Creek were absent Monday; which equals about 20-percent of school population. School and county health officials will closely track the absent students, for any new Swine Flu cases.
In Dallas, health officials sent a notice to parents of students attending Dallas County schools, that read in part - "This situation has the potential to rapidly escalate and particularly has implications for school-age students and schools."
Officials with Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) confirm that they are investigating several potential Swine Flu illnesses. "Dallas County has three probable cases of Swine Influenza infections in separate locations of the county," DCHHS Medical Director John Carlo, M.D., said in the notice.
The symptoms of Swine Flu include fever, cough and runny nose, and possibly other symptoms, such as body aches, nausea, or vomiting or diarrhea.
Trying to avert a major Swine Flu outbreak, the Dallas Co. notice, issued with "urgent" priority, lists several recommendations. Parents are urged to keep children home who have symptoms and seek medical care as you would during a typical flu illness. To keep any infection from spreading, health officials also advise everyone to simple cover their mouths and noses when coughing.
The Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District is using podcasts and Twitter to release similar information to parents and students.
Tarrant County Health officials also distributed information Monday to schools districts and private schools in the county.
A release from the Fort Worth ISD urged, "Principals and department heads are asked to read and post the precautionary measures for prevention and discuss with employees and students."
Tarrant County Public Health confirmed that they are investigating one probable case of Swine Influenza; involving a 12-year-old female student from McLean Middle School. County health officials say the girl is recovering well.
In the Denton ISD officials have implemented the Stage I level plan as health officials continue to monitor the Swine Flu situation. In Stage 1, the district heavily monitors the situation by staying in close contact with the local health department. No swine flu cases have been reported in Denton ISD.
While there have been no confirmed cases of Swine Flu in the Plano ISD, Health Services Department workers are said to be working closely with the Collin County Health Services Department and monitoring the Center for Disease Control.
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