Washington County Department of Health & Human Services Together with Forest Grove School District Close Schools Because of H1N1 (Swine) Flu

For Immediate Release: Sunday, May 03, 2009

Washington County Department of Health & Human Services Together with Forest Grove School District Close Schools Because of H1N1 Flu

Upon the recommendation of the Washington County Department of Health & Human Services, all schools in the Forest Grove School District will be closed for Monday and Tuesday, May 4-5, due to the concern over the spread of H1N1 Virus (Swine Flu).

One confirmed case of swine flu has been reported at Cornelius Elementary School. Washington County Health & Human Services said there are other suspected cases at other schools in the district. Cornelius Elementary School will remain closed all week, May 4-8. District administration, in conjunction with County health officials, will decide Tuesday whether other schools in the district will be able to reopen Wednesday.

By closing for two days, health officials and school district personnel will be able to better determine whether the virus has spread and whether it's necessary to close schools longer, said Paul Lewis, Tri-County Deputy Health Officer for Washington, Clackamas, and Multnomah counties.

The Cornelius student was not hospitalized and is recovering at home, Lewis said.

Washington County Department of Health & Human Services continues to work closely with the Oregon Department of Human Services and other Public Health Departments in the four-county Portland region to coordinate information for care providers, schools and the general public. 

The County also continues to recommend the following precautions to help prevent the spread of the H1N1 virus:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you are sick, stay home. Do not go to work, school, church, or any public gatherings. This is to keep from infecting others and spreading the virus further.

Further information about the H1N1 virus is available at the Washington County Web site at: www.co.washington.or.us/flu.cfm.

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