Rye: Swine Flu Capital of Westchester – Rye Country Day School Shuttered for Two Weeks

Rye is now home to swine flu cases #1, #2, #3 and #4 in Westchester County. We are really hogging all the swine flu spotlight – this time two probable cases of H1N1 have appeared at Rye Country Day School, the exclusive private school on Cedar Street in Rye. The school will be closed for two weeks (not a mis-print: two weeks).

Here is the statement issued today from the Westchester County Health Commish:

"Swine Flu Update
New probable cases lead to recommendation that Rye Country Day be closed; children recovering at home

May 04, 2009

The Westchester County Health Commissioner recommended Rye Country Day School dismiss students from classes starting tomorrow and for the next two weeks, due to two probable cases of swine flu among students.

Administrators at Rye Country Day School have accepted his recommendation.

All extra-curricular activities also are canceled.

Students from the school are advised that they can gather with a few close friends, but are cautioned against getting together in groups of five or more to avoid further transmission of H1N1 flu virus.

“This decision was not an easy one, but given the fact that the sick students were in contact with a large number of other students for an extended period of time while they were ill and infectious, this is the most prudent course of action to take,’’ said Dr. Joshua Lipsman, the Westchester County Health Commissioner. “We regret the inconvenience this will undoubtedly cause the school community, but based on guidance from the federal Centers for Disease Control and the New York State Department of Health, I believe it best to exercise this precaution.’’

The two students have not required hospitalization and are recovering at home. They became ill and were tested over the weekend. Information on absenteeism among additional children at the school is pending at the time of this release.

These two probable cases are the third and fourth probable cases of swine flu in Westchester. The County is awaiting confirmation of the cases from the CDC in Atlanta.

"People should remember that each year, millions of people get seasonal flu, and most recover after about a week and do just fine,’’ Lipsman said. “Thus far, almost all swine cases in the US have been mild and no different or more serious than seasonal flu.’’

For more information, visit the Health Department website at www.westchestergov.com/health or call the Health

Last week the county had its first two first probable cases of swine (H1N1) flu, in two children from Rye. Neither child was hospitalized and neither had been in school for several days.  Based on the latest information available, the Westchester County Department of Health has not recommended closing the school those children attended.

 “This is not a surprise,’’ said Health Commissioner Dr. Joshua Lipsman. “We expected this and there likely will be more confirmed cases of swine flu in Westchester.""