Georgia: Suspect Cases

[Legadillo]

Re: Georgia: Suspect Cases

The facility where I work (a psychiatric residential facility) has had several unit shutdowns due to H1N1 but none of the cases filled with up to 20 kids have been identified by the CDC, nor will they ever be.

So far, my co-worker (who caught the virus at work) and her son are recovering, as am I (still major back issues from pain, as well as dry cough).

WHat I find intersting STILL is that despite the huge outbreak here in Bryan and Chatham Counties there is near a mention of it in the papers.

Schools, churches, offices still full of people who have NO FEVER but still present with symtoms, likely continuing its spread.

Also of note is that one of my patients who had the virus told me that his arms began to turn blue. Does anyone know if cyanosis can be present n one very localized area? I've never heard of such a thing. He also mentioned difficulties breathing.

 

[Legadillo]

Re: Georgia: Suspect Cases

:banghead::banghead: ANGER!!!!

I learned from my friend today that her 13-year-old son was sent home from school sick with flu-like symptoms. He was told by his nurse, who is fully aware of the flu surge in the middle school he attends that he didn't have
H1N1 but Influenza A. WHAT?????????? :banghead:

My friend (despite the numerous info I gave her) believed that he didn't need to see a doctor and that it would pass until I informed her that her decision was a VERY poor one (in other words I got angry). She is now taking him to urgent care to get Tamiflu since he's been vomiting all day and not getting better.

This is the ignrance that really upsets me!

The school nurse diagnosing with no test and then passing on disinformation to parents leading to poor choices based on bad information!

 

[Legadillo]

Re: Georgia: Suspect Cases

GA one of two states with widespread H1N1 virus
Posted: Aug 31, 2009 4:18 PM EDT Updated: Aug 31, 2009 6:53 PM EDT

By Jennifer Emert - bio | email

ALBANY, GA (WALB) - The H1-N1 virus that rapidly spread through south Georgia schools may have reached its peak.

One of the first systems to see a spike in absences is now seeing a decline. Hospitalizations are up, and health officials are encouraging you to get a flu shot.

Georgia is one of only two states where the H1N1 virus is considered widespread. Thirteen of the 14 school systems in the southwest Georgia health district reported higher absences and pediatrician offices have been flooded with sick children, but that could begin to ease as the virus runs its course.

It's no surprise fifth grader Caitlin Tucker was sick and in the doctor's office, after all her mother and brother Leland were already being treated for H1N1.

"High fever, ache all over, nauseous, coughing," said Tatina Tucker, of Sylvester.
Several friends in their classes have also been out sick and Pediatrician waiting rooms have been swamped with kids testing positive for the flu.

"The A strain the H1N1 is what we're getting positives for and we're probably average about four or five cases a day for each physician," said Dr. Bruce Smith, Southwest Georgia Pediatrics PC.

Health officials have been watching school absences closely and are encouraged by a turn in absentee numbers. Early County was one of the first to see a spike, now absences are declining.

"They peaked out around August 11th, 12th and for a few days they hit total absentee rates around 10, 11 percent," said Dr. Jacqueline Grant, Southwest Georgia Health District Director.

While it's not back to normal yet, it's encouraging even as hospitalizations due to the H1N1 virus climbed over 40. Health officials say it's still important to pay attention to the symptoms and if you have them, stay home, and if they progress see your doctor.
"Over 90 percent of people with this virus have a fever, but certainly fever and or cough, sore throat, body aches, malaise, some people even have GI symptoms, like nausea, vomiting or diarrhea," said Grant.

On Wednesday the Dougherty County Health Department on South Slappey will open early and stay open late in a mass flu vaccination effort. The clinic will open at 7:30 AM and will remain open until 6:30 PM.

That is the seasonal flu vaccine. The swine flu vaccine is not yet available. The health department dropped the price of a flu shot to $20.00. For more information on the H1-N1 virus you can link to the public health website at
www.southwestgeorgiapublichealth.org

 

[Legadillo]

Re: Georgia: Suspect Cases

Backup Pugh tests positive for H1N1

By Marc Weiszer | marc.weiszer@onlineathens.com | Story updated at 12:34 am on 9/6/2009

Georgia backup safety Makiri Pugh did not make the trip to Oklahoma State after testing positive for H1N1, the virus commonly referred to as swine flu, coach Mark Richt said Saturday night.

Richt did not know how long the redshirt freshman from Charlotte, N.C., might be out.

"Even with guys that have had that - the H1N1 - sometimes it's a quick turnaround, sometimes it's not," Richt said. "We'll just have to see."

Georgia's medical staff has been keeping an eye on any possible signs of players showing flu symptoms. It had moved players out of their dorm rooms or moved a roommate away if a player showed flu-like symptoms.

http://www.onlineathens.com/stories/090609/foo_490238938.shtml

 

[Legadillo]

Re: Georgia: Suspect Cases

DeKalb School Closed Amid Flu Concerns
Updated: Wednesday, 09 Sep 2009, 11:43 PM EDT


Edited By: Leigha Baugham

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. (MyFOX ATLANTA) - A DeKalb County school was shut down Wednesday amid concerns over the H1N1 virus. Margaret Harris Comprehensive announced it will be closed for the rest of the week, because so many students were out sick.

According to school officials, 23 of the 50 students were out sick as well as five of the school's staff members. Even the principal was out sick.

The school is small and made up of special needs students who are high-risk and could be more susceptible to tougher bouts of the H1N1 flu.

School officials did not confirm any cases of H1N1, but the students had flu-like symptoms.

School officials sent home letter to parents tell them of the school closure. The school will reopen for both staff and students Monday, Sept. 14.

http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/dpp/news/DeKalb_School_Closed_Amid_Flu_Concerns_090909

 

[Legadillo]

Re: Georgia: Suspect Cases

Swine flu claims 4 lives in Ga. in past week

By Ken Stanford Editor

ATLANTA - State health officials say four people have died and nearly 50 have been hospitalized with swine flu over the last week... the highest death rate in Georgia since the outbreak began. They're urging everyone to get a seasonal flu vaccine now, while they wait on a swine flu shot.

"The truth is that season flu kills 30,000 to 40,000 people in the United States every year," said Dr. Sandra Elizabeth Ford with the DeKalb County Health Department.

Dr. Ford tells the Georgia News Network a swine flu (H1N1) vaccine is still expected to be available by early October. Health officials are now saying H1N1 may be contagious for longer than they first thought. They say you may be contagious for a week after you first come down the symptoms.

http://www.accessnorthga.com/detail.php?n=223222

 

[Legadillo]

Re: Georgia: Suspect Cases

Whitfield Co. Girl Dies From Swine Flu
Michael King

WHITFIELD COUNTY, Ga. -- Health officials in Whitfield County confirmed that a 7-year-old girl died Wednesday morning from swine flu-related illnesses.

Jennifer Moorer, spokeswoman for the North Georgia Health District, said this is the first swine flu death for Whitfield County. She said the girl was hospitalized at the time of her death. Moorer also said that the department would not release the name of the hospital or the name of the girl.


(WRCB Chattanooga contributed to this report)
http://www.11alive.com/includes/tools/print.aspx?storyid=135816

 

[Dark Horse]

Re: GA: Suspect Cases in Richmond Hill

Re: GA: Suspect Cases in Richmond Hill

Richmond Hill Middle School (Bryan County, GA) has sent home 96 kids so far this week. Twenty-five have been sent home today. The lines outside of the nurse's office have been so long that they sent the suspect cases back to their classrooms. My grandson was sent home today, but his mother was not permitted into the school to collect him. He was sent out instead. He tested positive for Influenza A with the rapid test and prescribed Tamiflu, which is all sold out in most drug stores in Richmond Hill. This is the second time with the flu for this young man in a period of a month.

Teacher at Carver Elementary School in Richmond Hill, where my granddaughter was sent home earlier this week with the flu, said they were having a major outbreak at that school as well.

Richmond Hill, GA, is adjacent to Savannah which is also undergoing an outbreak and many residents are military from Fort Stewart near Richmond Hill and Hunter Army Air Base in Savannah.

Not a peep about this in the Bryan County News (Richmond Hill) nor the Savannah Morning News

 

[Legadillo]

Re: Georgia: Suspect Cases

Richmond Hill Middle School in Richmond Hill, GA has as of Friday 14% absenteeism from influenza-like illness, numbers include both of my children and many friends and neighbors.

Interestingly, NO word of school closures and school officials refuse to divulge ANY information. For instance, when I asked someone at the school, they made a zipper-like motion across their lips as if they were not allowed to say anything, a response I have received often in numerous forms. Thanks to an insider, I received the number out sick, which has not been publically released!!

The illness rates have been VERY high all last week but there is not mention of it anywhere! I have contacted people ranging from the local mayor to the state rep to release the number of absenteeism to the public. Moreover, I have already tried the Bryan County Board of Education with NO LUCK!! I have, however, alerted the local papers and TV stations to hopefully bring the truth out.

14% illness rate is 4% higher than the CDC recommended level to close the school. Why was the school NOT closed and why were parents NEVER notified of the illnesses?

Any suggestions of what further action I can take?

 

[sharon sanders]

Re: Georgia: Suspect Cases

We will send a couple emails on Monday morning. Thanks Legadillo for the information.

 

[wdcare]

Re: Georgia: Suspect Cases

I don't understand schools staying upen with high absences either; a school in Alabama had 27% out in Sept. and still stayed open.
http://www.flutrackers.com/forum/showthread.php?p=294890#post294890

 

[Legadillo]

Re: Georgia: Suspect Cases

We will send a couple emails on Monday morning. Thanks Legadillo for the information.

THANKS Florida1!! The more help the better. I can't do it alone.

Today, I learned of 3 more local ILI cases in addition to the many more I am already aware of. My son is on Facebook and reported that approx 10 kids he's friends with are also sick. Another friend of mine said her son's class of 22 had 6 in it on Friday. I am outraged to know that they didn't close the schools last week.

On another sad note, I learned from my neighbor that she knows a person locally who recently died with Swne Flu symptoms but she was surprised it was not mentioned in the papers. Also, she knows of a young lady fighting for her life now. She thought that information was being heavily filtered. Many here believe that H1N1 is still not a big problem, "mild" and blown out of proportion.

 

[Legadillo]

Re: Georgia: Suspect Cases

Here are some of the letters I wrote to gov and school officials (THE EMAILS ARE PUBLIC!!) who continue to ignore my pleas for info and who allow the schools in Richmond Hill, GA to remain open despite more than a 14% absentee rate due to flu-like illness as of Friday:

cshearouse@bryan.k12.ga.us; ardixon.ph_dekalb1.ph_nwmta@dhr.state.ga.us; cpgibson@dhr.state.ga.us; mlpierce@dhr.state.ga.us; scmorris.ph-liberty3.ph_semta@dhr.state.ga.us; rdavis@richmondhill-ga.gov; fhilliard@richmondhill-ga.gov; mhodges@richmondhill-ga.gov; jhires@richmondhill-ga.gov; jbickley@richmondhill-ga.gov; jay.neal@house.ga.gov
Cc: dtofig@gadoe.org; gmcgiboney@doe.k12.ga.us

Subject: Flu Outbreak in Richmond Hill, GA

I hope this email finds you well! I would like to express my concern for the obvious upsurge of flu-like illness in the schools here in Richmond Hill, GA. I am currently aware of 6 families who are experiencing flu at their homes, many of the children of those families attend Carver Elementary and Richmond Hill Middle School. My own children and I are one of those families and this is our second time in a month being infected by the flu virus and testing positive. We are not the only ones, as I am personally aware of several families here in Richmond Hill that have been re-infected, thus putting into question the belief that one is immune to the virus after the first exposure. This is supported by evidence from the local Urgent Care whose doctors and nurses have also seen many people previously ill in the last two months with flu returning again with sick family members.


My greatest concern is my inability to make contact with Mr. McGrath of the Bryan County School System who was aware three weeks ago when I called him about the CDC recommended cut off point of 10% absentee rate and the closure of schools, after the first wave of flu-like illnesses at the schools. Seeing that the absent rates are now well past 10%, according to some of the teachers and other sources, I would like to have some explanation as to why my kids and other children were put at risk at the Richmond Hill Schools during an obvious outbreak. I know several families who have children with underlying health conditions who are severely at risk when exposed to the virus. I am hoping that next week that the schools will not only remain closed here in Richmond Hill but that parents are fully informed on a daily basis of the running absentee rates so that parents can make informed decisions about whether they want to take a risk in sending their children to school during an outbreak.


I have run into some severe information blockades in trying to obtain data about absences at the schools. For instance, I went to the middle school and when I asked about how many kids were out sick they reported that they were "No allowed" to give out such information, which is shocking considering that it is a public school. Moreover, on another occasion, when I asked a school official about absences she looked at me with a worried glance and made a zipper-like motion across her lips as if she were not allowed to talk about how many kids were sick. I found this very peculiar and I am curious as to why this information is not being made public.


I would like to request another community meeting to discuss some of the information gaps in relation to the current outbreak and how this problem can be resolved. Time is, of course, of the essence!

Best Wishes

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sent: Monday, October 05, 2009 8:14 AM
To: ardixon.ph_dekalb1.ph_nwmta@dhr.state.ga.us; cpgibson@dhr.state.ga.us; mlpierce@dhr.state.ga.us; scmorris.ph-liberty3.ph_semta@dhr.state.ga.us; rdavis@richmondhill-ga.gov; fhilliard@richmondhill-ga.gov; mhodges@richmondhill-ga.gov; jhires@richmondhill-ga.gov; jbickley@richmondhill-ga.gov; jay.neal@house.ga.gov

Subject: Increased Illness in Richmond Hill, GA

I would like to express my continued concern about the decisions being made in relation to Richmond Hill Middle School remaining open despite a significant absentee rate due to flu-like symptoms, as of Friday. When I contacted the school to inform them of my son's absence and to obtain school work (he's still exhibiting flu-like symptoms), I was treated rudely and there was a refusal to answer any questions I had in relation to absences. I believe it is important to gain an understanding of how many children are ill with ILI (influenza-like-illness) symptoms so that I can better gauge the situation and make more informed decisions about whether I find it appropriate to send my children to school or not in a potential outbreak. There are other local parents who feel similar.


Again, I find it highly unusual that the school remains open despite our knowledge of the current situation and would like this apparent data blockade and poor decision making (keeping the schools open despite a high illness rate) addressed as soon as possible. Let me be clear that there is no sense of panic on my part but a keen awareness of the current health situation based on my 7-year study on the pandemic. I am one who firmly believes that prevention is the best tool in such situations. Moreover, I believe that a school should follow the guidelines set out by the CDC in such a situation, thus protecting the children at risk and reducing infecton rates.


Best Wishes,


Rachael Bell


--------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Bell, Rachael
Sent: Monday, October 05, 2009 7:55 AM
To: dtofig@gadoe.org; gmcgiboney@doe.k12.ga.us
Subject: Richmond Hill Flu Cases


I would like to request information about those involved in making decisions for school closures based on illness and surpasing the 10% absentee mark outlined by the CDC. If you could be so kind to provide me with names, numbers and emails of those involved, I would be most appreciative being that the schools here in Richmond Hill refuse to divulge any information, although I know from a state health official that the absences in Richmond Hill Middle School alone exceeded 14%.

I am concerned about the decisions being made at a school level in relation to our children's health and would like to have the matter looked into. Please keep me informed of the situation.

Best Wishes,

Rachael

 

[Dark Horse]

Re: Georgia: Suspect Cases

Jeff Whitten
jwhitten@bryancountynews.net
Posted: Oct. 6, 2009 9:02 p.m.
Updated: Oct. 7, 2009 1 a.m.

Some parents want the school board to close Richmond Hill Middle School for at least a week as a result of the H1N1 virus.

One of those parents, Rachael Bell, has contacted a number of state and local officials and the media. Bell is critical of the way local school administrators have responded to the H1N1 virus.

"The question is, why is Richmond Hill Middle School still open and why are we continuing to subject our kids, especially those with compromised immune systems, to such significant risks," she said. "There simply comes a point when where one has to ask oneself what?s more important, missing a couple days of work and the financial ramifications or our kids? health? I think a lot of sick kids? parents are asking themselves that very question and I believe they make that choice for their kids."

Bell told officials in a blanket email she and her children were among a number of people in Richmond Hill who have gotten the flu twice.

And she isn?t the only one voicing concern.

Another parent claimed to have heard there were absentee rates at RHMS as high as 39 percent. On line at bryancountynews.net, a frequent blogger posted Tuesday that 20 percent of the student population was out with the flu.

-Read more in the Bryan County News

http://www.bryancountynews.net/news/article/4627/

 

[Legadillo]

Re: Georgia: Suspect Cases

Jeff Whitten
jwhitten@bryancountynews.net
Posted: Oct. 6, 2009 9:02 p.m.
Updated: Oct. 7, 2009 1 a.m.

Some parents want the school board to close Richmond Hill Middle School for at least a week as a result of the H1N1 virus.

One of those parents, Rachael Bell, has contacted a number of state and local officials and the media. Bell is critical of the way local school administrators have responded to the H1N1 virus.

"The question is, why is Richmond Hill Middle School still open and why are we continuing to subject our kids, especially those with compromised immune systems, to such significant risks," she said. "There simply comes a point when where one has to ask oneself what?s more important, missing a couple days of work and the financial ramifications or our kids? health? I think a lot of sick kids? parents are asking themselves that very question and I believe they make that choice for their kids."

Bell told officials in a blanket email she and her children were among a number of people in Richmond Hill who have gotten the flu twice.

And she isn?t the only one voicing concern.

Another parent claimed to have heard there were absentee rates at RHMS as high as 39 percent. On line at bryancountynews.net, a frequent blogger posted Tuesday that 20 percent of the student population was out with the flu.

-Read more in the Bryan County News

http://www.bryancountynews.net/news/article/4627/

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

One of my friend's kids has pneumonia and he goes to Richmond Hill Middle School where there is a H1N1 outbreak. My friend has been informed by her doctor that he has Croup, NOT swine flu due to his being negative on the nasal swabs!!

 

[Legadillo]

Re: Georgia: Suspect Cases

Absences up in Richmond Hill schools

Author: Jamie Parker
Posted: October 7, 2009 - 1:19pm

http://savannahnow.com/bryan-county-now/2009-10-07/absences-richmond-hill-schools#

According to Bryan County School officials, the absentee rate of students this year is up when compared to 12 months ago.

"We have had a particularly significant increase in the Richmond Hill schools," said Interim School Superintendent John Oliver.

Some, but not all of those absentees, are the result of seasonal flu or the H1N1 virus.

Rachael Bell, the parent of two Richmond Hill students, is concerned.

Bell says a number of Richmond Hill students and parents have had the flu once already this year and are now getting it for the second time.

"I am aware of a number who have been re-infected," she said.

Bell said she and her 8-year-old daughter came down with flu-like symptoms during the latter part of August and now have them again, along with her 12-year-old son.

Oliver said the highest levels of absenteeism are recent, with Richmond Hill Middle School having an absentee rate above 10 percent on Oct. 1, 2 and 6, and Carver Elementary topping 10 percent Oct. 5 and 6. The highest rate of absenteeism reported was 13 percent, he said. (Attendance data for dates after Oct. 6 was not available at press time).

"I had hoped it would get better over the weekend. We misted (with a disinfectant) the common areas of all the Richmond Hill schools except the high school over the weekend," Oliver added. "The high school will be done later this week."

But Bell thinks further action should be taken

"The question is, why is RHMS still open and why are we continuing to subject our kids, especially those with compromised immune systems, to such significant risks," she asked. "There simply comes a point where one has to ask, what's more important, missing a couple days of work and the financial ramifications or our kid's health."

Bell added that she feels it is "time to not panic, minimize the risks or be complacent; but to make good, sound decisions based on what we currently know about H1N1 and seasonal flu."

Brad Anderson, assistant superintendent of Bryan County schools, said there are no specific guidelines for the closure of schools due to sickness.

"We are in regular contact with our local health department and district health personnel.We are continuing to monitor the number of absences on a daily basis.We have significantly increased our disinfecting efforts," he said. "Any decision to close schools would be made by the Bryan County Board of Education with much discussion among other governmental agencies."

Dr. Diane Weems, chief medical officer for the Coastal Health District (which includes Bryan County), acknowledged that some schools in the district have reported increased absenteeism rates, and said there is no specific absenteeism rate at which Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends school closure.

"The updated guidance from the CDC, released on Aug. 7, addressed the importance of decreasing exposure to influenza in schools while limiting disruption of day-to-day activities and learning. The experiences of communities with large outbreaks in the spring of 2009 provided all of us with new knowledge regarding the potential benefits of closing schools versus the negative consequence of doing so on both students and their parents."
Eddie Warren, chairman of the Bryan County Board of Education, said the board has no pre-established level of absences that will trigger a school closure.

"Our administration is in touch with the Georgia Department of Education and the Department of Health on a regular basis," he said. "They will be our best source of information as to when, if ever, we would consider closing a school. That's why we hire those people, they are the experts."

Weems noted that the CDC emphasizes the importance of monitoring the overall situation, including increasing severity of illness by H1N1, and balancing the risks of illness among students and staff with the benefits of keeping students in school.

"Should the severity of influenza illness caused by 2009 H1N1 increase, there are additional steps schools should consider, including instituting the active screening of students and staff upon arrival to school," Weems said. "The health department works closely with the state office and local providers to monitor for indications for increasing severity."

Interestingly, I have been verbally attacked by several people in the community for expressing any concern and for daring to suggest that schols consider being closed during an outbreak. I am sure people around the country saying the same thing meet with great resistance! Its a pity!

 

[Legadillo]

Re: Georgia: Suspect Cases

Just came from a pandemic meeting for my county. Sadly, they called the meeting to shut me up. At least thats what it felt like! About 12 people to 1 and no one else was allowed in the meeting.

They said they have done all they could. They refused to screen kids at the school for ILI illnesses, to release absences of ILI cases and for the most part didn't allow me to finish sentences. Information was copied and pasted onto power points and information from the CDC was altered to support their view. When I went home and looked on the sight, it was quite different information. Clearly there was an agenda! There was also a photographer there taking pictures of me, most likely for a story in their favor.

There was anger that I dare suggest school dismissals because of the outbreak that is in the dubble digits. They said that the schools are safe and it would be less safe for kids in closing the schools.

The meeting included 2 County Health Directors and school administrators and I represented myself as "a parent."


The anger was tangible.

It won't stop me from voicing my opinions and offering constructive criticism.

 

[Dark Horse]

Keeping Schools Open Despite Hi Flu Rate

Keeping Schools Open Despite Hi Flu Rate

None of the articles posted above nor this one below would have occurred if Legadillo (aka Rachael Bell) had not declared war on the bureaucrats in Richmond Hill schools and the Bryan County Health Department. The Richmond Hill, GA. school system (part of Bryan County) has admitted to local news that it does not have a plan to protect its children from the flu.

http://www.wtoctv.com/Global/story.asp?S=11275978

Doctors vaccinating students against seasonal flu
Posted: Oct 07, 2009 5:11 PM EDT
Updated: Oct 07, 2009 5:37 PM EDT


RICHMOND HILL, GA (WTOC) - While doses of the H1N1 vaccine are now available at health departments, some places are still pushing for the seasonal flu vaccines, especially in one area school district.

Schools around Bryan County have seen students with flu-like symptoms and that coupled with a high absentee rate in the past week, has many parents concerned.

But Billy McGrath with the Bryan County School superintendent's office assured parents there's nothing to worry about.

"With the numbers that we have out right now, which is a high absentee number for us, the state asks that we report ten percent above the general population. Which we've had to report a couple days in a row," he explained. "But only about a third of that is flu-like symptoms. Parents are concerned that it's all flu and H1N1, but that's really not the case."

But the concern comes at a time when the seasonal flu is beginning to pop up around the community.

Dr. Keith Seibert with the South Coast Medical Group, said his office has been packed with patients. The phones have also been ringing off the hook with people concerned about the flu.

"We've hired a physicians assistant and we've got additional staff," he explained. "We're working through lunch, we're staying through 6pm or 7pm every night to try and see all the kids we can during the day."

But on Wednesday, instead of bringing them to the office, he's bringing the seasonal flu vaccine to them.

"Unfortunately, when people come to a physicians office to get that, they run the risk of picking up illness while they're there," Dr. Seibert said. "We decided this year, we'd like to help the local community effort to protect kids who are healthy and around other healthy people. So their risk of infection isn't going to be increased by getting their vaccine in our office."

South Coast Medical Group is teaming up with the Bryan County Health Department along with the Board of Education, traveling to different schools around the county offering the seasonal flu vaccine.

At least 30 students at Richmond Hill Middle School lined up to receive the flu mist. The South Coast Medical Group says they will continue to canvass the school district until there's not a need for it anymore.

Officials with the school district say they're grateful for the program.

"Students are always in crowds," said McGrath. "It's not like being in Walmart or movie theaters. You're in a crowd of people all the time there's a high chance of spreading viruses all the time. It's good to keep them safe."

South Coast Medical Group will also be giving seasonal flu vaccines at their doctors offices around the Coastal Empire. The cost is $25.

For more information and tips on how to protect yourself during the flu season, you can visit their web site at www.southcoastmedical.com.

©2009 WTOC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

 

[Legadillo]

Re: Georgia: Suspect Cases

http://www.bryancountynews.net/news/article/4637/

Jeff Whitten
jwhitten@bryancountynews.net
Posted: Oct. 9, 2009 8:17 p.m.
Updated: Oct. 10, 2009 1 a.m.


Schools battle flu and concern

Friday marked the end of the first nine week grading period for Bryan County Schools, so Oct. 12 was scheduled as a student holiday all along.

But given the H1N1 virus and the concern it caused this week, the three day weekend probably couldn’t have come at better time.

"It’s not untimely," said interim Superintendent John Oliver.

He said the day also will be a chance for teachers to take a break since the second of the school system’s three furlough days -- a cost saving measure -- is also slated for Monday.

"My hope is when we all come back Tuesday some of our students will have had the chance to be healed up a little bit," Oliver said. "But we are doing better than we were earlier in the week."

Oliver said only 90 of the more than 1,200 students at Richmond Hill Middle School called in sick Friday, which is approximately 8 percent of the student body. Of those, 38 had either "flu, or flu like symptoms, or strep or respiratory ailments," he said. The total number was down from earlier in the week when approximately 13 percent of the students at RHMS were absent for one reason or another.

That was well over the 10 percent benchmark used by state health workers in trying to track the flu virus. School districts to report whenever a school has more than 10 percent of its student body absent on a given day., no matter the reason.

Richmond Hill Middle School and Carver Elementary School have both met or exceeded 10 percent, and some parents have asked why schools haven’t been closed.

"To be honest, it would be when we don’t have the staff or children to be able to effectively conduct school business," Oliver said.

-Read more in the Bryan County News.

My question is, is the choice to close the school based on functionality of the school or on our kids health?

 

[Legadillo]

Re: Georgia: Suspect Cases

I heard today that this morning there was a death of a little 4-year-old girl at The Savannah Christian School possibly due to H1N1. Her sister was also sick with the flu. The little girl who passed away got sick Saturday and was hospitalized this morning and died shortly thereafter.

Here is info from the website:

http://www.savcps.com/joomla/index.php

Daycare Closed for 2 Days

(Sunday, October 18, 2009) Dear Faculty, Staff and Parents, The Savannah Christian School Family is a caring, tightly knit group and because of this, tragic news travels quickly. You may have already heard that one of our families has suffered an unthinkable loss and we have, as well. Little four year old, Elaina "Lainey" Redick, a Daycare student, fell ill with nausea early on Saturday morning. She was taken to Memorial Hospital about 10:00 am Saturday and passed away early Sunday afternoon. Doctors have not, as yet, firmly determined the cause. Parents acknowledged that the nausea was not accompanied by fever (seeming to rule out the primary characteristic of the H1N1 virus).

Lainey's big sister, Lily Beth, is a first grade student in the Lower School. Yesterday she had a fever and was tested; it was determined that she had the flu and is being treated. Test results will not be back for two days, so it is not known at this time if she has Influenza A or the H1N1 virus. She will be out of school until it is safe for her to return. Mr. Redick's plea to all parents is to take very seriously your child's complaint of illness and get a medical opinion quickly.

As a precaution for all children, the Daycare will be closed Monday and Tuesday while a deep cleaning is being done. Although not required to close by the state licensing board, the school made the decision to to clean and disinfect every nook and cranny, includng washing the walls, in order to take extraordinary precautionary steps. If you have a child in the Daycare, we appreciate your making alternate plans for child care during these two days while our Faculty and Staff also cope with this loss.

We encourage your prayers for Kim, David and Lily Beth while they cope with this unthinkable tragedy, and they appreciate your respect for their privacy during this time. Our hearts go out to them. We will let you know when arrangements are made by the family.

With a deep sense of loss,

Roger Yancey, Headmaster
Ruth Ann Palmer, Lower School Principal
Ruth Rushing, Daycare/Preschool Director


Looks like they got some facts wrong about the fever part!

Richmond Hill girl dies after flu-like symptoms
Posted: October 19, 2009 - 12:41pmAdvertisement
By Jenel Few

A 4-year-old Richmond Hill girl died Sunday after exhibiting flu-like symptoms.

Elaina "Lainey” Redick became nauseated Saturday morning and was taken to Memorial University Medical Center, where she died Sunday afternoon.

Doctors would confirm only that the child died of flu-like symptoms.

Savannah Christian Daycare, where the child was a student, has closed for two days as a precaution. The daycare will reopen Wednesday after a thorough cleaning and disinfecting has been completed.

The elementary, middle and high schools remain open.

http://savannahnow.com/bryan-county-...r-flu-symptoms


This just happened in the town I live. It was only a matter of time and I find it terribly sad! I hope that they will take H1N1 more seriously because from my battle with the school board over the last two weeks during the recent outbreak, they continue to see this flu "like seasonal flu." Many of my co-workers and friends who know the girl and the family are simply heart-broken