The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released new guidance for the prevention of infections in K-12 schools, aimed at the 2024 – 2025 school year. This guidance focuses on practical measures to prevent the spread of respiratory and stomach viruses like influenza and norovirus, as well as bacterial illnesses such as strep throat.
Key strategies include:
- Teaching and reinforcing proper handwashing and respiratory etiquette.
- Enhancing ventilation in schools, especially during remodeling or new construction, to improve air quality.
- Regular cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting as necessary.
- Promoting vaccinations for both students and staff.
Additional measures for when students or staff become ill include:
- Ensuring those with symptoms stay home as outlined in the guidance.
- Using personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for sick individuals.
If there is an increase in illness, schools may adopt further strategies like mask-wearing, increasing distances between students, and conducting illness screening and testing.
The guidance also advises schools to update or develop emergency operation plans that include sections on infectious diseases and to establish partnerships with health departments and community health providers.
This update, according to CDC Director Mandy Cohen, M.D., M.P.H., incorporates lessons learned into actionable steps for schools to maintain a healthy environment for learning.
