CCPS explains decision on H1N1

In an automated phone message Thursday afternoon, Culpeper County Public Schools told parents with school-age children that CCPS has its first suspected case of H1N1 virus, commonly known as swine flu.

The school division, however, chose not to release that information to the general public.

In an e-mail to the Star-Exponent Friday, CCPS spokeswoman Pearl Jamison explained why.

“We did not put out a press release,” she wrote, “because the case is only suspected, at this point. When, and if we have a confirmed case, we would put out a press release.”
Jamison said she discussed the matter with Superintendent Bobbi Johnson and Russell Houck, director of administrative services before opting against informing the community at large.

CCPS did not specify which school the student attends.