Story posted Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Decision Made Late Tuesday To Re-Open Algonquin After Flu Scare
By TODD WESSELL Journal & Topics Editor
Des Plaines Elementary School Dist. 62 officials said yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon that Algonquin Middle School will re-open today (Wednesday) following the closing of the school building Monday after it was learned that a student may have swine flu.
As of Tuesday, it was uncertain whether the 12-year-old male 6th grader had contracted the virus. Supt. Jane Westerhold said at the time that she is awaiting test results to determine if the school would re-open this week or whether to wait until next Monday.
The decision to close Algonquin was made Sunday following a flurry of phone calls between Westerhold, Cook County Dept. of Public Health authorities and the parent of the boy. According to Westerhold, the parent called the principal of Algonquin on Sunday to report that her son probably had swine flu. The boy's family doctor called Westerhold who then engaged in conversations with the department of public health to determine the best course of action. The decision to close the school was made even though it was not certain that the youth had swine flu. That uncertainty remained into Tuesday. "We hope to hear something today," said Westerhold yesterday. "It's possible Algonquin could open in a day or two. If we don't hear today (on whether the boy has swine flu), we will remain closed tomorrow (Wednesday). "It's on a day-to-day basis." The original thought was to keep Algonquin closed through Friday. The youth has no relationship with anyone from Mexico, Westerhold explained. She added that the ill boy was not in school last Wednesday, but feeling better, returned Thursday only to be absent again on Friday.
"He had a couple of really rough days," said Westerhold. "By Sunday he was doing much better." She stated that the reason to close Algonquin was made because the child was in school Thursday.
"There are no other cases at this point in time," said Westerhold. She added that some schools are experiencing high absenteeism this week, such as Forest School, because some siblings attend Algonquin.
A number of after-school events involving Algonquin students were canceled.
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