The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated the guidance for individuals who test positive for COVID-19 and no longer recommend an isolation period of five days.

The new recommendations for COVID-19 align with recommendations for flu, RSV, and other common respiratory viruses. When an individual gets sick with COVID or a respiratory virus, the updated guidance recommends they stay home and away from others. An individual may return to normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, symptoms are improving overall, and if a fever was present, it has been gone without the use of a fever-reducing medication.

Once people resume normal activities, they’re encouraged to take additional prevention strategies for the next five days to curb disease spread, such as enhancing hygiene practices, wearing a well-fitting mask, keeping a distance from others, and/or getting tested for respiratory viruses.

Additional information regarding recommendations can be found in the CDC press release dated March 1, 2024.

FLU

 DSHS urges everyone six months old and older to get vaccinated against the flu. It is particularly important for pregnant women, young children, older adults, and people with chronic health conditions, because people in those groups are at a greater risk of severe complications if they do get the flu.

For more information:  https://www.cdc.gov/flu/

• Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces or objects. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill.

√ Everyday Preventative Actions

√ When and How to Wash you Hands

Washing Hands Video for Kids

Mosquito-Borne Illnesses

Dear Parents and Staff,

Calallen ISD would like to raise awareness about preventing the spread of mosquito-borne illnesses, such as Zika, West Nile and dengue. With the increase in mosquito activity so does the threat of these illnesses. Pregnant women are particularly at risk of Zika; the virus can cause birth defects in unborn infants.

What You May Want to Do as Parents:

1. Use mosquito repellant before leaving for school.
2. Regular school day-- Insect repellant should be applied at home using a long lasting variety prior to school arrival. Should insect repellant need to be applied during the school day, WIPES OR LOTIONS will need to be signed into the campus clinic by the parent following the district’s medication policy.

Measures for Individuals to Protect Themselves from Mosquito Bites

• wear insect repellent,
• cover up with long-sleeved shirts and long pants,
• keep mosquitoes out with air conditioning or intact window screens,
• limit outdoor activities during peak mosquito times.

Measures for Individuals to Prevent Mosquito Breeding

• At least weekly, carefully check the area around your home, school or workplace for mosquito breeding areas:
  • clear and empty gutters;
  • empty or get rid of cans, buckets, old tires, pots, plant saucers and other containers that hold water;
  • remove standing water around structures and from flat roofs;
  • change water in pet dishes daily;
  • rinse and scrub vases and other indoor water containers weekly;
  • change water in wading pools and bird baths several times a week;
  • maintain backyard pools or hot tubs;
  • cover trash containers;
  • water lawns and gardens carefully so water does not stand for several days;
  • screen rain barrels and openings to water tanks or cisterns; and
  • treat front and back door areas of homes with residual insecticides if mosquitoes are abundant nearby.
• If mosquito problems persist, consider pesticide applications for vegetation around the home.

Thank you for your help with this important public health matter.