The school district said that 2 students in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing program and Island View Elementary School showed flu-like symptoms were examined by the school nurse, isloated, and were sent home.
Students in the Deaf and Hard of Hearing program come to Island View from other districts from Bellingham to Lakewood. Therefore, per recommended precautionary measures, the other students in the class were also examined, isolated and sent home.
There is no indication these students have swine flu, but the school district says it is taking precautions recommended in connection with the worldwide pandemic flu plan.
Meanwhile the schools are taking these measures:
- Nurses will be conducting meetings with all staff to inform them of the safety issues and procedures related to this virus.
- Each building will have a nurse full-time to monitor students, answer questions and provide accurate and updated information.
- Nursing staff will be sending any students with symptoms home in a mask. They will need to go directly to their doctor for a nasal swab and cannot return to school until written clearance from their doctor. Their siblings will also be required to stay home for 72 hours.
- Upon return, nurses will be checking students daily for seven days for any further symptoms or concerns.
- Any staff or students coming back from Mexico through the 4th of May will be told to stay home for 72 hours. They cannot return without a note from their doctor.
The state Health Department says there are 13 probable cases of swine flu in Washington, none in Skagit County.