Since the days before school began again this month, health care providers have been working hard to keep the H1N1 virus, or swine flu, out of Marengo County’s schools.

School health officials have been working with students and faculty to to educate them about the virus and how best to protect themselves and others.

School nurses are working diligently to check students who are suspected to be ill.

Local school systems are following guidelines dictated by the Department of Education and the Centers for Disease Control.

Those guidelines say any student who has a fever of 100 degrees or more, a persistent cough or sore throat will be sent home. Students may not return to school until they have been fever free without medication for 24 hours.

Teachers and administrators have also asked that parents donate a few extra bottles of hand sanitizer, bleach wipes and other cleaning products that can help stem the tidal wave of germs creeping around the state.

Local educators should be commended for their work preparing for this potential health threat.

This illness has not been a pressing problem in Marengo County and the reason lies in the the actions of our teachers and school nurses.