Health Update
Cambrian School District, January 27, 2020
Dear Cambrian Families,
I wanted to keep you updated on a health concern that recently has been receiving media attention. The Center for Disease Control and state and local public health departments are closely monitoring developments regarding an outbreak caused by a novel (new) coronavirus first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. The first case in the United States was announced on January 21, 2020 in the State of Washington. Public health departments are working to identify anyone who might be infected to prevent further spread of the outbreak.
To date, there are no confirmed cases in California, and Santa Clara County residents are at low risk of becoming infected.
When new viruses surface, there can be lots of anxiety and stress. It’s important to stay informed. We acknowledge the impact that this outbreak is having on our community, and on those who have friends or relatives who are affected. In the unusual event that a child or staff member is identified who recently traveled from Wuhan, China, and who has any of these respiratory symptoms (fever, cough, or shortness of breath), he or she will be sent home from school/work, and the school will contact the Public Health Department for additional guidance.
We encourage all students, parents, and staff to take common-sense precautions to prevent the spread of all infectious diseases, including common illnesses like colds and flu. The Public Health Department has a web page dedicated to novel coronavirus at sccphd.org/coronavirus. We will monitor the developing situation and inform you of any additional public health recommendations.
All the best,
Maggie Spehar
Cambrian School District Director of Student Services
Degie Hosmer
Cambrian School District Nurse
Frequently Asked Questions
What is happening?
There has been an outbreak of a new illness called “novel coronavirus.” While the illness started in China, the situation is quickly changing.
What do we know about novel coronavirus?
People with the virus have been confirmed in a number of countries including China, Vietnam and the United States. Since this virus is very new, health authorities are carefully watching the situation and how this virus spreads. This situation is quickly changing, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Prevention and Controls provides updated information as it becomes available.
What is County of Santa Clara Public Health Department doing?
Public health officials are taking action to protect the public. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) are closely monitoring the outbreak. This situation is quickly changing, and the CDC will provide updated information as it becomes available.
Is my family at risk of getting novel coronavirus?
At this time, there is low risk to Santa Clara County residents, unless they recently traveled to Wuhan or were in close contact with someone who was ill who recently traveled in that area.
What should I do now to protect my family? HERE ARE A FEW SUGGESTIONS:
1. Get your flu shot to protect against flu or symptoms like the ones for the novel coronavirus.
2. Wash your hands with liquid soap and water, rub for at least 20 seconds.
3. Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, sleeve or arm. Do not use your hand.
4. Stay home if you are sick with a fever, cough, shortness of breath and are feeling tired.
5. Try staying away from large groups of people.
6. For people who are traveling to Wuhan: www.cdc.gov/travel/notices/alert/novel-coronavirus
What are symptoms of novel coronavirus?
Symptoms may include fever, fatigue, cough, runny nose or shortness of breath. Some people may have pneumonia or more serious illness.
How is novel coronavirus spread? Are my children and family at risk?
It is unclear how easily or frequently the virus may spread from person to person, so it’s important to practice good hygiene (cover your cough and sneeze, and wash hands frequently with soap and water or alcohol based sanitizer). We are still learning about this new virus.
Cambrian School District
Email: foremand@cambriansd.com
Website: www.cambriansd.org
Location: 4115 Jacksol Drive, San Jose, CA, USA
Phone: (408) 377-2103
Facebook: facebook.com/CambrianSchoolDistrict
Twitter: @Sup_Andrews