Flu strikes fourth-graders at Woodward Elementary in DeLand

BEACON PHOTO/SARAHROSE MINISTERI
Flu strikes the Woodward family — One case of swine flu was confirmed Sept. 28, in a fourth-grader at Woodward Elementary School in DeLand. More students are ill with flu-like symptoms.

One case of swine flu confirmed

By Pat Hatfield
BEACON STAFF WRITER

posted Sep 28, 2009 - 5:27:31pm

Volusia County Schools has been notifying parents of students at Woodward Avenue Elementary School in DeLand that half the students in one fourth-grade class were absent Monday, Sept. 28.

"Twelve of 23 students were absent this morning, with four more students and their teacher being sent home after arriving on campus," an announcement from spokeswoman Nancy Wait stated.

H1N1 (swine flu) was confirmed in one of those dozen students.

Absentee rates have been running average in other schools, Wait reported.

Volusia County Health Department spokeswoman Stefany Strong said, "We want parents to know ... H1N1 is in our community."

The school system is doing a great job of educating parents and educators about precautions, whether for seasonal or H1N1 flu, she added.

"We need parents to continue to be good community partners," Strong said.

That includes keeping sick children at home until at least 24 hours after a fever has subsided. Regular hand-washing is important, as is covering the face when coughing, and throwing away used tissues.

Parents are the front line in containing the flu, Strong said.

She encouraged Volusians to get seasonal flu shots, which are available now. In October, H1N1 shots will be available.

Young people ages 6 months to 24 years are a priority target for that vaccine. H1N1 targets young people.

Cases of swine flu have also been reported at Stetson University this month, as those students reported to school for the fall semester.

Strong said the Health Department and Volusia Schools are working together on a plan to facilitate inoculations of schoolchildren as soon as the H1N1 vaccine is available.

Wait of the School District said only a few worried parents had called by the end of day Sept. 28. She expected more Tuesday, Sept. 29, as calls and notes about the absences reach parents.

She noted, "The National Association of School Psychologists says that acknowledging concern without panicking is appropriate, and can result in people taking actions that reduce the risk of illness."

— pat@beacononlinenewscom

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