Health board clarifies role in dealing with possible flu outbreak

The Daily Inter Lake

The Flathead City-County Board of Health met on Monday to clarify the roles and responsibilities the board and Health Administrator Joe Russell would have if a local school were closed because of H1N1, or swine flu.

A resolution passed by the board authorizes Russell, in consultation with other public health and school officials, to take the necessary steps if a school closure is required.

Guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control recommend school closure if a confirmed case or suspected probable case is found in the school population.

Although the board supported the resolution, members were concerned that the action would raise undue public concern, Russell said, causing a "Chicken Little effect."

"This is just a precaution, so that legally we can move forward" if necessary, he said.

There still are no suspected or confirmed swine flu cases in Montana.