Chicago Public Schools are closely monitoring any students showing flu-like symptoms, which resemble symptoms for the swine flu that recently erupted in Mexico.
Chicago Public Schools are closely monitoring any students showing flu-like symptoms, which resemble symptoms for the swine flu that recently erupted in Mexico. “At this time, Chicago Public Schools has no confirmed reports of this illness, and we are in the process of launching our internal notifications to ensure that our principals and faculty take the necessary precautions and proactive action measures if any incidents are observed or reported,” said Ron Huberman, CEO of Chicago Public Schools, at a Sunday news conference. “Just as we would respond to any unusual health situation, we urge parents to immediately notify their family physician if they observe any unusual patterns of illness with their children, followed by prompt notification to the school’s principal.” Huberman added that parents should not panic and reassured them that CPS is taking every step possible to protect students. There are more than 400,000 students who attend CPS schools and 46.2 percent are Black, according to CPS data. However, CPS officials are encouraging parents with sick children to keep them home today and to report their illness to the school. And for students who may feel ill at school, nurses will be available to examine them. Other city officials, including Terry Mason, M.D., commissioner for the Department of Public Health, joined Huberman at the news conference. Mason reminded people that flu shots would not prevent a person from getting swine flu. “I want everyone to keep in mind that it is very early and the situation is fluid. This strain of swine flu is a new strain and not a lot is known about it, like exactly how ill-infected persons become (or) how easily it may be passed from person to person,” Mason said. “But even though we have not yet seen cases of this new swine flu in Chicago, now is the time for all Chicagoans to think prevention.” To minimize the spread of colds, whose symptoms resemble swine flu, Mason recommends that people cover their mouth when coughing and sneezing; use facial tissues and discard it immediately; wash their hands regularly with soap and warm water; stay at home if you are sick; and build up your immune system by eating fresh vegetables and fruit, drinking plenty of water and getting enough sleep at night. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of the regular human flu and includes body aches, headaches, chills, fatigue, fever, cough and a sore throat. In some cases, people have reported having diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. ______ Copyright 2009 Chicago Defender. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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