Santa Clara County Department of Education asks schools to inform students, parents about rapidly spreading swine flu

According to their school website, a single student at Branham High School in San Jose infected with swine flu has shut down the Campbell Union School District and set Santa Clara county in motion.

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 Center for Disease Control, as of April 29, swine flu has been confirmed in 10 states, including 14 confirmed 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 Lin e at (408) 885-3980.