Harlan Independent Schools Superintendent David Johnson said the city school system has its first confirmed case of the H1N1 (swine flu) virus. Johnson said officials sent notification to all parents and staff on Wednesday.

“Our attendance has been good for the past several weeks, so we see no reason to call off school at this point,” Johnson said. “We’re taking the precautions we know to take.”

According to Johnson, staff has started its cleaning procedures at all schools. He encourages all students to wash their hands frequently.

In the Harlan Independent Schools Infectious Disease School Safety Plan it cautions anyone exposed to the H1N1 (swine flu) virus to stay home if they are sick and avoid contact with other people as much as possible to keep from spreading the virus. If you have a fever, difficulty breathing, a cough, body aches, runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea you should talk with a health care provider by phone. Your health care provider will determine whether testing or treatment is needed.

Before visiting a health care setting, tell your provider about your symptoms and you may have been exposed to the H1N1 virus. Don’t travel while sick and limit your contact with others as much as possible to help prevent the spread of illness.

“Since we closed those last three days for influenza-like illness, our attendance has had a steady rise. It has leveled off in the last few days. The Clover Fork schools are very close to normal at this point,” said Brent Roark, assistant Superintendent of Harlan County Schools.

For the latest news and updates, you may call the H1N1 (Swine Flu) Hotline tollfree at 1-877-843-7727.

“I want to assure families that we are taking every precaution to deal with this situation. If you have any questions you can go to our Web page www.harlan-ind.k12.ky.us,” Johnson said.