H1N1 Influenza update from the Superintendent

May 1, 2009

Dear Parents and Guardians,

I'd like to take this opportunity to update you on the school department's response to the H1N1influenze (swine flu). We have been working closely with Department of Education Commissioner Susan Gendron and our local South Portland Emergency Management team. Commissioner Gendron continues to coordinate efforts with Dr. Dora Anne Mills at the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention to provide guidance to all Maine schools.

As I write this, there have been no confirmed cases in Cumberland County but public health officials are monitoring the situation carefully. We are being kept advised of new developments by the Maine Department of Education and Maine CDC.

In the event that the Maine CDC becomes aware of a confirmed or probable case of swine flu in a public school student or staff member, the information we have today is that Maine CDC will contact the superintendent of the school in order to close the school and send students and staff home. If a sibling of the affected student is in another school, that school should also be closed. Dr. Mills will provide guidance on how long the school will remain closed and provide other support. At this time, public health officials are recommending that schools close for seven calendar days. The Commissioner indicated that the days will not have to be made up at the end of the school year.

In the event of school closure, the Superintendent's Office will remain available and open for the dissemination of information.

In South Portland, we have activated our pandemic flu plan. Attached below is public health information regarding the influenza virus. You may also stay informed about developments through the U.S. CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov or you can call the Maine Center for Disease Control at 1-888-257-0900. Links to websites and updates are also posted on the City website, www.southportland.org.

As we continue to stay informed of new developments and follow resulting guidance, we will provide updates as necessary.

Sincerely,

Suzanne T. Godin,
Superintendent of Schools

PUBLIC HEALTH INFORMATION REGARDING INFLUENZA VIRUS FROM THE SOUTH PORTLAND FIRE RESCUE OFFICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION (PDF)