KENNEBUNK — Kennebunk Elementary School and the Crayon Academy day care center in Arundel are closed today due to two suspected cases of the swine flu. Governor John Baldacci announced the school closures Wednesday due to two children with the suspected H1N1 influenza, also known as the swine flu, according to a statement from the Department of Education.
Baldacci also signed an executive order declaring a civil emergency that he said will allow the state to better respond to cases of the swine flu.
“This is a serious situation,” Baldacci said in the statement. “We are taking these precautions to slow the spread of the flu and to make sure Maine can respond quickly and efficiently.”
According to the statement, the two children have symptoms consistent with swine flu, and have household contact with a person identified with the infection. The Maine Center for Disease Control announced three adults in Maine have also been identified with swine flu earlier on Wednesday.
The schools and day care will be closed for seven calendar days in an effort to prevent further spread of the infection. The Maine CDC recommends children who exhibit fever and respiratory symptoms ”“ consistent with the flu ”“ should see a medical professional. Parents of the students in both closed schools should monitor their children for signs of infection, but do not need to take action unless their children exhibit identified symptoms.
Education Commissioner Susan Gendron said there are no other schools being considered for closure at this time, according to the statement. Recommendations for school closures would be made Maine Center for Disease Control Director Dr. Dora Anne Mills.
If the Maine CDC becomes aware of a confirmed or probable case of swine flu in a public school student, officials will contact the superintendent in order to close the school and send students and staff home. If a sibling of the affected student is in another school, that school will also be closed. Where buses have been used to transport students to multiple schools, all affected schools should be closed, according to the statement.
A press conference was planned for 10 a.m. Thursday at Kennebunk Town Hall. Maine School Administrative District 71 Superintendent Patrick Manuel was unavailable for comment before press time.
For online information on pandemic influenza planning go to www.maine.gov/education/swineflu.html. For updates on the swine flu in Maine visit www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh.
— Staff Writer Robyn Burnham can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 329 or rburnham@gwi.net.
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