Has the first case of H1N1 novel influenza in Minnesota been confirmed?
On Thursday, April 30th, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) announced the first confirmed case of H1N1 novel influenza in the state.  The case is an individual from the ROCORI Middle School in Stearns County.  The individual is recovering without complications.  As a precautionary measure, the school, and St. Boniface Elementary School which is located adjacent to ROCORI Middle School, made a decision to close.  School is being conducted as usual at the ROCORI High School, Cold Spring Elementary, Richmond Elementary, and John Clark Elementary. 4/30/09

What are the symptoms of H1N1 novel influenza?
Influenza is a respiratory disease; symptoms of influenza include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea. 4/29/09

What steps should a school take if a student is diagnosed with H1N1 novel influenza?
When a positive test for H1N1 novel influenza is determined by MDH, the individual’s primary health care provider will be notified and MDH staff will interview the patient and parents/guardians. The interview will include obtaining the name of the school and contact information for the principal. MDH is responsible for notifying the principal and providing instructions for staff and students.  It is the responsibility of the principal to immediately notify the school nurse and any other key school staff. The principal should keep key staff informed of the situation including any actions to take. 4/29/09

If a student is diagnosed with H1N1 novel influenza, should his/her siblings or others who have had close contact be allowed to return to school?  
MDH will notify key school contacts if any students (including siblings) need to be excluded.  Because the H1N1 novel influenza situation is evolving, recommended actions will be communicated if a case of H1N1 novel influenza is confirmed in a school. 4/29/09

Should we exclude students who return from affected areas?
No. Only students who are ill should stay home from school. 4/29/09

Should children with a family member who has been diagnosed with H1N1 novel influenza be asked to stay home?
Only people with symptoms of influenza are being asked to stay home. People who are not ill, including household members, do not need to stay home.  However, CDC's Interim Guidance for Swine influenza A (H1N1): Taking Care of a Sick Person in Your Home provides guidance for family members of cases to help prevent spread. 4/29/09 Attention: Non-MDH link

What should a school district do if they suspect a case or outbreak in their district?
School districts should keep in regular contact with local health officials and report to them if you have students with influenza-like symptoms who have been to Mexico or to parts of the U.S. with confirmed cases of H1N1 novel influenza, or students who have had contact with sick persons who had been to one of the areas. The CDC provides a list of relevant areas that is updated daily on their Swine Influenza (Flu) website. Any student who has influenza-like illness should be excluded from school until symptoms resolve. 4/29/09

Are school districts required to report to parents if there is a potential or diagnosed case of nove lH1N1 influenza?
School districts are not required to notify parents of other students if a case of H1N1 novel influenza is confirmed in the school/classroom, however as with many situations schools may choose to do so. If a case is confirmed, MDH will provide recommended actions. 4/29/09

What steps should be taken in order to sanitize and clean a school facility at which there has been a reported case or outbreak?
Environmental services should follow routine cleaning and disinfection procedures for all school buildings. No special cleaning or disinfection products are recommended. Environmental services staff should use appropriate personal protective equipment including gloves when using chemical cleaners or disinfectants. 4/29/09