Two separate campuses — one in north Houston and the other in Fort Bend ISD — confirmed cases of the virus Monday. Here’s how officials announced the cases and what each school is doing in response:
IDEA Public Schools, Hardy campus
IDEA Public Schoolsa national network of charter schools with locations in four states, disclosed Monday afternoon that a case of monkeypox was recently reported at the IDEA Hardy campus, located at 1930 Little York Road in north Houston. “We are working closely with Harris County Public Health (HCPH) to identify and offer guidance to anyone who may have been exposed,” a statement read in part. However, HCPH said the case falls under the jurisdiction of the Houston Department of Health. IDEA Public Schools did not offer details on whether the case involved a student, teacher or support staff member citing privacy protocols. “IDEA Hardy facilities staff performed deep cleaning of all areas and wiped classrooms and high-touch surfaces, as well as provided additional cleaning materials for disinfection,” the statement continued. The school system added that it is informing families about the virus, but did not say whether any part or the entire campus would need to be closed. ABC13 spoke to two people with children or relatives who are IDEA Hardy students. No one said they received any notification of the positive case. A district spokesman said all parents should have received a letter. Just last Wednesday, HCPH reported that a child under the age of 2 had a false-positive monkeypox test result. It was not immediately confirmed whether the child developed the rash at daycare or a classroom. SEE MORE: CDC confirms false-positive monkeypox test result for Harris County child under 2 IDEA Hardy is a relatively new school, opening in 2020, according to the campus website. Current enrollment is approximately 450 students in kindergarten through eighth grade. The campus began classes for the school year on August 4.
Ridge Point High School
Fort Bend ISD has confirmed its own case in the district. A student at Ridge Point High School in Missouri City reported the case, the district announced Monday night. “Fort Bend County Health and Human Services is investigating the case. Families and employees at Ridge Point High School have been notified of the case,” a statement said. “Fort Bend County epidemiologists are conducting contact tracing to identify potential exposures based on proximity and will notify individuals directly if they are at risk.” The district added that it is working with local health officials and following CDC guidelines, which include frequent and continuous cleaning protocols. Ridge Point started its school year on August 10th. Data from The Texas Tribune showed 3,060 students enrolled last school year. SEE MORE: Autopsy to determine if monkeypox caused hospital death, Harris Co. officials say For updates on this story, follow Briana Conner on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Copyright © 2022 KTRK-TV. All rights reserved.
