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2 swine flu cases confirmed at WVU
By Jon Offredo
Updated: Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Two West Virginia University students have been confirmed with the first cases of swine flu on campus.
Officials confirmed the information Wednesday afternoon and urged students to take all necessary precautions to prevent the spread of H1N1.
Campuses nationwide braced for the spread of the flu at the start of the fall semester.
Dr. Jan Palmer, director of Student Health said he had been expecting cases of H1N1 to appear at WVU.
"We are expecting to see many more cases," he said. "We are trying to disseminate information as easily as possible to prevent the spread."
One case was identified Friday, the other Tuesday.
Palmer said the two cases at WVU tested positive for influenza. The state said it would be unnecessary to test for H1N1, per Center for Disease Control and Prevention guidance, because influenza is out of season.
One of the students lived in the dorms, the other lived off campus. Palmer couldn?t say which dorm or where the students lived. Officials urged both students to go home if convenient.
Palmer believed the student living in the dorm returned home.
In accordance with CDC guidelines, WVU recommends self-isolation for students with H1N1. Palmer said they have no idea how many students could get H1N1 but hope that prevention education would limit spread of the virus.
"There is no way to move (students) to an isolated living situation," Palmer said. "That?s not practical on this campus."
University officials are working to provide sick students with the amenities they need without forcing them to go to public places like class or dining halls.
"The idea is they should stay in the room until their fever is gone for 24 hours," Palmer said.
In case of a large outbreak, Palmer said officials have discussed the possibilities of canceling or postponing large events. For now though, officials have focused on preventing the spread through educational outreach.
The University could place signs at Milan Puskar Stadium, asking people to wash their hands and watch where they cough during the game.
WVU spokesman Dan Kim said the University has held meetings across campus to raise awareness about the flu.
"It?s just a matter of us knowing the flu is out there," he said. "The main thing is getting the word out about how to prevent the spread of the virus."
There have been 30 reported cases of swine flu in Monongalia County. Eight have been out-of-state residents, according to the latest numbers from the West Virginia Bureau for Public Health.
More than 8,800 cases of H1N1 have been reported in the United States and its territories. Five hundred fifty-six have resulted in death, according to the CDC.
There are few differences between H1N1 and seasonal influenza, and getting vaccinated for one does not ward off the other.
Palmer recommended students call Student Health, 304-293-2311, if they think they have symptoms instead of coming in person.
Palmer expects the University to receive H1N1 vaccine from the federal government by mid-October.
The University does have regular influenza vaccinations available.
Students can purchase the seasonal flu vaccine for $10 at the Student Recreation Center Sept. 28 and Oct. 6, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
http://www.thedaonline.com/news/2-swine-flu-cases-confirmed-at-wvu-1.349229#4
2 swine flu cases confirmed at WVU
By Jon Offredo
Updated: Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Two West Virginia University students have been confirmed with the first cases of swine flu on campus.
Officials confirmed the information Wednesday afternoon and urged students to take all necessary precautions to prevent the spread of H1N1.
Campuses nationwide braced for the spread of the flu at the start of the fall semester.
Dr. Jan Palmer, director of Student Health said he had been expecting cases of H1N1 to appear at WVU.
"We are expecting to see many more cases," he said. "We are trying to disseminate information as easily as possible to prevent the spread."
One case was identified Friday, the other Tuesday.
Palmer said the two cases at WVU tested positive for influenza. The state said it would be unnecessary to test for H1N1, per Center for Disease Control and Prevention guidance, because influenza is out of season.
One of the students lived in the dorms, the other lived off campus. Palmer couldn?t say which dorm or where the students lived. Officials urged both students to go home if convenient.
Palmer believed the student living in the dorm returned home.
In accordance with CDC guidelines, WVU recommends self-isolation for students with H1N1. Palmer said they have no idea how many students could get H1N1 but hope that prevention education would limit spread of the virus.
"There is no way to move (students) to an isolated living situation," Palmer said. "That?s not practical on this campus."
University officials are working to provide sick students with the amenities they need without forcing them to go to public places like class or dining halls.
"The idea is they should stay in the room until their fever is gone for 24 hours," Palmer said.
In case of a large outbreak, Palmer said officials have discussed the possibilities of canceling or postponing large events. For now though, officials have focused on preventing the spread through educational outreach.
The University could place signs at Milan Puskar Stadium, asking people to wash their hands and watch where they cough during the game.
WVU spokesman Dan Kim said the University has held meetings across campus to raise awareness about the flu.
"It?s just a matter of us knowing the flu is out there," he said. "The main thing is getting the word out about how to prevent the spread of the virus."
There have been 30 reported cases of swine flu in Monongalia County. Eight have been out-of-state residents, according to the latest numbers from the West Virginia Bureau for Public Health.
More than 8,800 cases of H1N1 have been reported in the United States and its territories. Five hundred fifty-six have resulted in death, according to the CDC.
There are few differences between H1N1 and seasonal influenza, and getting vaccinated for one does not ward off the other.
Palmer recommended students call Student Health, 304-293-2311, if they think they have symptoms instead of coming in person.
Palmer expects the University to receive H1N1 vaccine from the federal government by mid-October.
The University does have regular influenza vaccinations available.
Students can purchase the seasonal flu vaccine for $10 at the Student Recreation Center Sept. 28 and Oct. 6, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
http://www.thedaonline.com/news/2-swine-flu-cases-confirmed-at-wvu-1.349229#4