Due to the infection, Branham will be closed until May 5. On orders from Santa Clara County's Public Health Department, MVHS has provided its students with an informational flyer, encouraged teachers to talk to their classes, and promoted precautions to minimize the potential spread of the flu. The flyer also related CDC's recommendation that students experiencing the influenza, or symptoms of it, stay home to avoid infecting others.

Santa Clara County Health Officer Martin Fenstersheib emailed schools in the county on April 27, asking them to take necessary preventive measures against the flu and declaring that the swine flu has not yet caused a pandemic. These measures include covering coughs and sneezes, washing hands frequently, avoiding close contact with others, and keeping hands away from the eyes, nose and mouth.

According to The New York Times, as of April 29, swine flu has been confirmed in 12 states, including 14 confirmed and 7 suspected cases in California.

"It's all about education at this point," Dean of Students Denae Moore said. "You don't really want to speculate… [since] it causes such a frenzy."

More information about the swine influenza can be obtained by the Public Health Information Line at (408) 885-3980.