| 5/5/2009 8:13:00 AM | Email this article • Print this article | Probable case of H1N1 virus ('Swine Flu') at Our Lady of Victory School in Washington
Our Lady of Victory School, 4755 Whitehaven Parkway, N.W., will be closed for the remainder of the week after a probable case of the H1N1 virus ("swine flu") was identified in a staff member at the school. The decision to close was made in consultation with the Archdiocese of Washington Catholic Schools Office and the District of Columbia Department of Health.
The Montgomery County Department of Health notified the staff member late Monday evening (May 4) that the test was positive. The Archdiocese of Washington Catholic Schools Office then contacted the District of Columbia Department of Health.
School parents were contacted by text message Monday night and a letter is being sent home to all school families on Tuesday. Families are encouraged to be alert for any symptoms of illness, to seek appropriate medical care if a family member is sick and to contact the school if a student becomes ill.
Local Catholic schools have sent information home to parents over the past week about the flu, reminding them of the symptoms and preventative measures the schools are taking. These include keeping any child who is sick at home and seeking appropriate medical care. Archdiocesan schools, as part of their normal procedures, regularly disinfect classroom surfaces, have age-appropriate directions for thorough hand washing above sinks and hand sanitizers in classrooms and cafeterias. Over the past two weeks, teachers have been reinforcing good hygiene practices with their students.
The Centers for Disease Control has information about the virus online at www.cdc.gov/swineflu. The DC Department of Health website is www.doh.dc.gov.
Our Lady of Victory School has 190 students from PreK-Grade 8. There are 98 Catholic schools in the District of Columbia, and Calvert, Charles, Montgomery, Prince George's and St. Mary's counties in Maryland.
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