November 15, 2022
Dear Parents and Guardians
Recently, students at Brunswick Elementary School have become sick with influenza-like illness (ILI). Symptoms have included fever, cough, diarrhea, vomiting, and/or sore throat. Students who have become ill at school with ILI have been evaluated and sent home as appropriate. Custodial staff at BES are taking measures to prevent the spread of the virus, including extra wiping down of doors and frequently touched surfaces.
Influenza and other viruses that can cause ILI are spread mainly by droplets made when people who are ill cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Less often, a person might also be infected by touching a surface or object that has virus on it and then touching their own mouth or nose. Here are a few things you can do to help prevent the spread of ILI:
If your child exhibits symptoms associated with influenza such as a fever (100 ºF or higher), diarrhea, or vomiting, please consult your primary care physician for evaluation. Infants, toddlers, seniors and pregnant women, and people with certain underlying health conditions are at increased risk of severe illness or complications from influenza, and should consult with their primary care physician if they develop symptoms of influenza.
For more information on influenza, please contact your local health department, at 301-600-1029 or check the Maryland Department of Health website at: https://phpa.health.maryland.gov/influenza/Pages/home.aspx
Sincerely,
Dr. Kimberly Mazaleski Debbie Winpigler-Beck RN