[Dewey-Darrow] (fwd) Swine flu press release, City of Evanston Health and Human Services Department

[Bearhair]

>PRESS RELEASE
>
>For Immediate Release:
>Further Information:
>
>Contact Evonda Thomas Director of Health and Human Services
>847 866-2969
>
>Update of Swine Flu
>
>Health and Human Services Director encourages: "Think preparedness,
>think prevention."
>
>According to the most recent information the State of Illinois has 9
>confirmed probable cases of Swine Flu.  "Confirmed probable cases"
>result in a 99 percent chance that the initial screening and all
>additional indicators are met for influenza A (H1N1), Swine flu.  We
>await a confirmation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
>(CDC), but it is 99 percent likely that all 9 cases are indeed swine flu
>in Illinois. Please note this information can change as more symptomatic
>individuals are tested daily. 
>
>What we know regarding the 9 confirmed probable cases:
>
>*         The age range is from 6 years to 57 years old
>*         5 cases in Cook County (Chicago)
>*         2 cases in Kane County
>*         1 case in DuPage County
>*         1 case in Lake County            
>
>Please follow the recommendations for closure of school and daycare
>facilities:
>
>*       Decisions regarding broader school dismissal within communities
>should be left to local authorities, taking into account the extent of
>illness within the community. 
>
>*       Dismissal of students should be strongly considered in schools
>with a confirmed, or a suspected case epidemiologically linked to a
>confirmed case. 
>
>*       If the school dismisses students or a childcare facility closes,
>they should also cancel all school or childcare related gatherings and
>encourage parents and students to avoid congregating outside of the
>school. 
>
>*       Schools and childcare facilities should dismiss students for a
>time period to be evaluated on an ongoing basis depending upon
>epidemiological findings.   
>
>*       Schools and childcare facilities should consult with their local
>or state health departments for guidance on reopening.  If no additional
>confirmed or suspected cases are identified among students (or
>school-based personnel) for a period of 7 days, schools may consider
>reopening. 
>
>*       Schools and childcare facilities in unaffected areas should
>begin to prepare for the possibility of school dismissal or childcare
>facility closure.  This includes asking teachers, parents and officials
>in charge of critical school-associated programs (such as meal services)
>to make contingency plans. 
>
>Contact the City of Evanston's Department of Health and Human Services
>at 847-866-2969 if you have questions regarding Swine Flu.
>
>###
>
>Sent on behalf of Evonda Thomas, Health and Human Services Director
>
>Martha Logan  - Public Information Specialist
>---------------------------------------- 
>City of Evanston
>Parks/Forestry and Recreation Dept. 
>Civic Center 
>2100 Ridge Ave. 
>Evanston, IL 60201 
>p. (847) 448-8041  
>f. (847) 448-8051 
>e. mlogan at cityofevanston.org