Probable swine flu case at Inverness Elementary

Published 7:05 pm Tuesday, May 5, 2009

A probable case of H1N1 flu, also known as the swine flu, has been identified at Inverness Elementary, said Cindy Warner, spokeswoman for Shelby County Schools.

The school in North Shelby County serves students from kindergarten through third grade.

“On Centers for Disease Control guidelines, we decided not to close the school,” said Warner. “The CDC has revised their guidelines. It was not advised unless a large number of children are absent.”

Parents were notified about the probable flu case through email Tuesday. State Department of Health officials also contacted parents of children who are in the student’s class or share a bus ride.

Warner said the school system is monitoring absentee rates and thoroughly cleaning buildings and buses.

Parents can also help by not sending sick children to school and taking them to the doctor if they have a fever or other flu-like symptoms, Warner said.

“We need parents’ help … keep sick kids at home,” Warner said.