Addressing influenza outbreaks in schools

The Public Health Unit (PHU) of Albufeira received a communication from the director of the a public school about the occurrence of flu-like symptoms in a large number of students. No response protocols were in place for laboratorial analysis and control measures in this specific situation. The PHU started the necessary procedures to assess the situation and act according to the information obtained. In collaboration with the school, control measures were implemented, a communication network was established, and informative materials, such as leaflets, on preventive measures against the flu were produced and distributed, as well as pediatric masks and hand sanitizer. In partnership with the national network of sentinel flu doctors, five nasopharyngeal samples (three students, one teacher, and one parent) were also collected for laboratory analysis. Epidemiological investigations have identified 4 confirmed cases of influenza B, 17 probable cases, and one case with missing information. The attack rates were found to be high, with 95% of both students and teacher becoming ill. The research findings indicate that a majority of students exhibited symptoms consistent with flu infection, with fever and cough being the most prevalent. In addition, one parent was tested at the school and was also diagnosed with influenza B, indicating the spread of the virus within the community. Gaps were identified in the scope of public health, including the lack of outbreak response protocols and an effective communication network with schools. In order to address these shortcomings, it is intended to develop action protocols for outbreak scenarios in the school environment and establish a closer response between public health services, and the school community. The innovative approach of the Albufeira PHU can serve as a model for other settings and countries. KEY MESSAGES: • Effective collaboration between healthcare providers and schools is essential to mitigate the impact of infectious disease outbreaks in the school environment. • The development and implementation of outbreak response protocols is critical to ensure a coordinated response to infectious disease outbreaks.