Fresno Day Care Cares about H1N1 | ABC30 Fresno

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By ABC30

Monday, September 7, 2009

Fresno, CA Day care does not look like what it used to for most of us. Jax Junglehouse in North Fresno is proof of that. It features a giant indoor playhouse.

What's truly different are the steps co-owner Melissa Pares and her partner are taking to protect these children from the H1N1 flu virus.

Pares: "I think I'm concerned about all flu, colds, and even pink eye that comes through our business. We do our best to make sure we are very sanitary."

That means following health guidelines set Friday. They include twice-a-day floor cleanings with bleach, wiping or spraying down all high traffic surface areas like tables and play equipment and using hand sanitizer. Pares even provides disposable cups.

Flu, H1N1, and pink eye are all big terms parents don't want their children to have to worry about. That's why at this day care they focus on the basics of good hygiene; that way these kids can focus on doing what they do best, being kids!

"So when they come here they are more independent. It's more of a habit than anything," said Pares.

"I think in general day cares and drop off kid places are more clean because they are on it," said parent Julie Weigand.

Weigand brings both of her sons to Jax Junglehouse, however, only 7-year old William is here Sunday because his younger brother wasn't feeling well. "I think it's important for parents to respect other parents and not bring their kids when they're sick. We all need to work together," said Weigand.

Weigand and Pares don't know of anyone with H1N1 yet, but health officials warn they will. Advisors to the President believe 90,000 people could die from H1N1 this flu season alone.

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