RICE COUNTY, Kan. – Rice County Health Department is reporting high levels of influenza-like illness (ILI) activity in the community, which may impact students and staff in USD 405. Influenza-like illness refers to fever accompanied by cough and/or sore throat and may be caused by influenza or other respiratory viruses commonly seen during the winter months.
Rice County Health Department is working closely with USD 405 administrators, school nurses, and local healthcare providers to monitor illness trends and support efforts to reduce the spread of respiratory illness in school settings.
Influenza and other respiratory viruses spread primarily through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Symptoms often begin 1-4 days after exposure and may include fever or chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, and fatigue. Children may also experience gastrointestinal symptoms, like vomiting and diarrhea.
To help keep students and staff healthy, Rice County Health Department and USD 405 strongly encourage the following actions.
- Stay home when sick. Students and staff with respiratory symptoms should remain home until they are fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication AND overall symptoms are improving, in alignment with CDC and KDHE guidance.
- Get vaccinated. Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older and remains the best protection against influenza.
- Practice good hygiene, including frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces.
- Improve air quality when possible by increasing ventilation.
Families are encouraged to monitor students closely for signs of illness and to notify the school if a student will be absent due to illness. Please reach out to your healthcare provider if you are worried about your or your child’s health.
Rice County Health Department will continue to monitor influenza-like illness activity and provide updates as needed. For questions related to student health, families may contact their school nurse or Rice County Health.
