Superintendent updates recent East Providence schools health concerns

Tainted fruit, water quality, flu response are discussed

By Mike Rego
Posted 2/15/18

EAST PROVIDENCE — The East Providence School Committee received an update on a few health-related issues the administration dealt with in recent days, one immediate and the other on a …

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Superintendent updates recent East Providence schools health concerns

Tainted fruit, water quality, flu response are discussed

Posted

EAST PROVIDENCE — The East Providence School Committee received an update on a few health-related issues the administration dealt with in recent days, one immediate and the others on a precautionary basis. Superintendent Kathryn Crowley told the committee about the occurrences at its meeting Tuesday night, Feb. 13.
Three East Providence elementary schools were among those being investigated by the Rhode Island Department of Health over the occurrence of allergic-type reactions in students Friday, Feb. 9, associated with the consumption of kiwi fruit.
The department received reports of approximately 34 students experiencing symptoms, including itching of the lips and mouth, hives and tongue swelling in 15 schools in the northern part of the state, among them Hennessey, Silver Spring and Orlo Avenue in city. Superintendent Crowley said five students total at Orlo, Hennessey and Silver Spring experienced allergic symptoms.
When the outbreak initially hit, the superintendent explained the produce, some 29,000 portions altogether, was delivered to buildings in the state as part of its “Fresh Fruit Initiative,” which encourages students from low-income families at Title I schools to sample a healthy diet alternative. The superintendent said those reported cases in city were deemed “mild reactions” by the school nurses.
She said proper protocols were followed locally, including immediate notification of the students’ parents. However, she questioned the RIDOH’s notification procedures.
It was noted by the RIDOH fresh kiwi fruit was consumed immediately prior to the onset of the reactions. Some of the students were treated in the school setting, and a few at the emergency department, with antihistamines (such as Diphenhydramine or Benadryl) and all improved. RIDOH said the exact cause of the reaction was likely due the skin of the fruit being infected.

Water quality worries
The superintendent also informed the committee about her response to the long-term situation involving the city’s water system, and regarding a notice sent out to residents by the water department indicating increased levels of Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs) showing up in recent tests.
The superintendent said in spite of protestations from city-side officials, she stood by her decision to provide all schools with bottled water throughout the remainder of the 2017-18 term. The committee, last week, backed her stance.
City officials, both in the notice and in other public statements, have insisted the matter is not a daily health issue, but one of chronic exposure. Those residents with specific medical concerns should take caution, though there is no need to seek alternative sources of water for the large majority of consumers. The increased level of DBPs may remain present until an aeration system in installed at the Kent Heights facility in August.
Superintendent Crowley said because the matter may not be rectified until the summer, she will continue to issue the bottled water at schools throughout the rest of the term for precautionary reasons.

Flu season response
During his update last week, District Facilities Director Tony Feola told the committee his department was embarking on a comprehensive disinfecting/sterilization program  in all buildings during the February recess to combat the near-epidemic flu season.
Director Feola said the aim of the effort is to mostly eradicate the presence of the virus by the time students and staff return to school from vacation on Monday, Feb. 26.

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MIKE REGO

Mike Rego has worked at East Bay Newspapers since 2001, helping the company launch The Westport Shorelines. He soon after became a Sports Editor, spending the next 10-plus years in that role before taking over as editor of The East Providence Post in February of 2012. To contact Mike about The Post or to submit information, suggest story ideas or photo opportunities, etc. in East Providence, email mrego@eastbaymediagroup.com.