CDC alters recommendations on school closures

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it no longer recommends that communities with a laboratory-confirmed case of H1N1 influenza A, or swine flu, consider adopting school dismissal or childcare closure measures. Based on updated information, the guidance also recommends implementing measures that keep students, faculty and staff who have symptoms of the flu out of schools and facilities during their periods of illness and recuperation.

Acting CDC Director Richard Besser, M.D., said in a briefing that the agency reported 403 confirmed cases in 38 states, with one death, and expects to see a “big bump in the number” of cases after more lab tests. The CDC will also begin to closely monitor the Southern Hemisphere as it enters its flu season.

HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius joined Besser in the briefing and said she is “delighted” with the CDC’s work in both investigating the virus and sharing information with the American public. She said there is no indication that enough is known yet about the virus, or what will happen in the course of the summer before the next flu season begins in the fall.

Meanwhile, Texas officials reported that a woman in her 30s died of swine flu, according to the Associated Press.

Sebelius also answered a question about the open leadership position at the CDC, saying that “discussions are very much under way” to fill that role. President Barack Obama named Besser as acting director following the resignation of former CDC Julie Gerberding in late January.

What do you think? Post a comment on this article and share your opinion with other readers. Submit your letter to Modern Physician Online at [email protected]. Please be sure to include your hometown and state, along with your organization and title.