for Meridian

Schools in Whatcom County are experiencing varying levels of student absenteeism due to illness, ranging from normal levels up to 20 percent. Rates of student absenteeism due to illness have been sporadic. Sites that have experienced higher rates of absenteeism appear to be leveling out as of today, Sept. 25. No local school districts are reporting abnormal levels of staff absenteeism at this time.

Because testing is no longer occurring specifically for H1N1 -- except in cases of seriously ill patients -- a definitive number of H1N1 cases in Whatcom County cannot be calculated. However, most cases of flu occurring this time of year are suspected by health officials to be H1N1.

Whatcom County schools are taking extra precautions to help prevent the spread of viruses, including reminding parents to keep sick children home from school. Children with a fever should stay home for 24 hours after they no longer have a fever. Districts are also reminding staff to stay home if they are sick.

School custodians are making sure that hand washing stations have plenty of soap, hot water (where available) and hand-drying supplies. Teachers and other school staff are reminding students to wash their hands often. School nurses and other district staff members are reminding children to cover their cough with their arm or sleeve. Custodians are taking extra care to disinfect common surfaces such as door handles, desks and tables.

For more information about how to care for someone with the flu and resources for families:

http://www.whatcomcounty.us/health/h1n1/

For H1N1 updates, please visit:

http://www.em.whatcomcounty.org/go/site/2040

Please read the H1N1 Parent Information Letter for more information.