H1N1 Updates: NYC DOE

We are continuing to follow cases of influenza-like illness in our schools. Here are some updates:

• We have seen an increase in influenza-like illness citywide in the last week; unsurprisingly, we also continue to see cases of influenza-like illness in our schools. Over the last several weeks, we have closed about 50 schools and programs because of influenza-like illness, and the majority of them have reopened without incident.

• We are now posting daily attendance rates for all schools on the DOE website. The Department of Health is posting a list of schools it is monitoring for cases of influenza-like illness on its Web site.

• The decision about whether to close a school is based primarily on evidence of continued transmission of flu in the school. This is best measured by the number of students seen in the medical room with influenza-like illness, not absentee rates.

• It now appears that most flu currently in New York City is H1N1 (swine) flu. As is typical with seasonal flu, the large majority of people with H1N1 influenza have experienced mild illness. As should be expected when a virus becomes more widespread, we have also seen more cases of severe illness and hospitalizations, especially among people with underlying health conditions.

• A letter parents received from the Chancellor last week indicated that parents should tell their school when their child has H1N1 flu symptoms. This does not mean that parents should ask their physicians to confirm the presence of H1N1 flu. Parents should simply report that their child has had symptoms of flu.