HISD confirms case of swine flu

The Huntsville Item

May 22, 2009 12:26 am

— Walker County Health Officials on Thursday confirmed that a student at Huntsville High School was diagnosed with the H1N1 virus.
The student is no longer contagious and has returned to normal daily activities.
According to Huntsville Independent School District Assistant Superintendent John DeBrock, the student who tested positive for the H1N1 Virus has returned to school.
“Since the student was out of school for the duration of the infection, there is no added chance of the infection spreading to other students,” said DeBrock. “We do advise parents to continue to use precautions and to maintain personal hygiene and general cleanliness at home and at work.”
Schools within Huntsville ISD and New Waverly ISD will continue their regular schedules until further notice, as will all city and county employees.
City and county officials are working to monitor the H1N1 Influenza strain and are in contact with health officials at the regional and state level.
According to the Department of State Health Services, the H1N1 Virus carries no symptoms more severe than that of the typical flu.
Walker County and the City of Huntsville have taken measures to ensure the safety of its employees, especially those who interact with the public on a regular basis.
City and county employees, including law enforcement, fire, EMS, utility billing and human resources personnel, have received antibacterial materials and disinfectants to use both on their person and in their work areas.
City and county personnel also have received interdepartmental reminders about ways to guard themselves from infection.
“We encourage the general public to take all precautions against the H1N1 Virus,” said Kim Jones, Huntsville Memorial Hospital Director of Critical Care Services. “This includes washing hands regularly, covering your cough with your elbow, utilizing hand sanitizer and keeping all work stations clean.
“Anyone exhibiting symptoms of the H1N1 Virus, including fever over 100 degrees, severe headache, cough, body aches and sore throat are encouraged to contact their personal health care provider. Anyone who is ill should stay home from work or school for at least 24 hours or until symptoms have subsided.”