ADVICE TO PARENTS ON (INFLUENZA H1N1) SWINE FLU
You will have seen media reports today about the first confirmed case in Western Australia of swine flu. The man has been identified as a 30 year old father of eight children living in Bedford. The Department of Health has advised that the children came into contact with their father on Saturday and are not attending school this week.
New measures are now in place across Australia to reduce the transmission of the virus within schools. Health experts advising the Australian Government have recommended a period of exclusion from school following international travel to affected countries.
Consequently, I am asking parents to follow this advice in the interests of the school community. The five countries of concern are Mexico, the United States, Canada, Japan and Panama. If someone in your family or someone who is living with you has recently returned or arrived from these countries, I would ask you to not send your children to school for a period of seven days. This applies even if there are no signs of influenza or ill health. Please advise the school office if this applies to your family.
This exclusion period applies to overseas students coming to visit on exchange from any of the above countries.
Please note that the seven day exclusion does not apply to students who were transit passengers passing through any of the above countries for less than 24 hours.
The WA Health Minister has stated that schools may be closed or partially closed in the event of a confirmed case of swine flu for a student or member of staff. It is hoped that the precautionary measures of voluntary exclusion for a period of seven days will avert a school closure or partial closure.
Health authorities have also advised that children with signs of respiratory illness (fever, coughs or runny nose) should not attend school. I urge you to take notice of such advice.
Other measures that we take are to maintain good general health and hygiene practices: encouraging coughing etiquette, proper hand washing routines and disposal of tissues.
For further information about swine flu generally, please call the Influenza Hotline on 180 2007 or visit the Department of Health website www.health.wa.gov.au The list of countries of concern can be found on the Department of Health and Ageing website www.healthemergency.gov.au
Thank you for your cooperation. Working together with these precautionary measures will assist us to prevent the spread of this virus.
Mitchell Mackay
PRINCIPAL