University of Washington Reporting 2 Probable Swine Flu Cases

[Pathfinder]

UW Reporting 2 Probable Swine Flu Cases
Posted: 7:33 am PDT September 10, 2009

SEATTLE -- The University of Washington reported what could be its first cases of swine flu on Thursday.

School officials sent an alert to students, faculty and staff that said two cases of influenza-like illness have been reported in a sorority.

A letter from Campus Health Services said sorority rush is beginning, and many of the houses are already active. Classes have not started.

The university said it told the two students with the suspected cases to return home.

Other students who may have been exposed have been advised to take necessary precautions such as frequent hand-washing and disinfecting common areas.

The health service said the cases are "the leading edge of what we anticipate during the fall quarter."

Meanwhile, the UW is sending a medical officer to Pullman to learn how Washington State University is coping with its much larger swine flu outbreak.

WSU health and wellness services reported that 169 students contacted them Tuesday to report symptoms consistent with swine flu.

On Thursday, WSU's H1N1 blog said more than 2,500 students reported suspected swine flu symptoms.


http://www.kirotv.com/health/20832082/detail.html

 

[Evelyn]

Re: University of Washington Reporting 2 Probable Swine Flu Cases

Text of the alert message:

Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff:

While a diagnosis has not been confirmed, the first apparent cases of novel H1N1 influenza have been reported to Hall Health Center from a sorority at the University. Sorority rush is beginning and many of the houses are active with returning sorority members and new students. Two cases of probable H1N1 flu have been identified in one house. The students were advised to return home and other members who may have been exposed have been advised to take necessary precautions, which include hand washing and use of hand sanitizers. They have also been advised to watch for symptoms of the flu and report cases to Hall Health.

This is a reminder that we all need to refresh our H1N1 preparation. Information is posted at the Pandemic Flu website http://www.washington.edu/emergency/pandemic/ and on the Hall Health center web site http://depts.washington.edu/hhpccweb/h1n1/index.php More information will be forthcoming in the coming week as we approach the start of the school year. In the meantime, the following guidelines should be observed:

1. If you are sick with a high fever and cough or sore throat, stay at home. You may return to work or classes when you have not had a fever for 24 hours without taking fever-lowering medication.

2. If you are coughing, cough into a tissue or your sleeve if a tissue is not available. Avoid coughing directly into your hand as everything you touch after this will have influenza virus on it.

3. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water OR hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
We will be monitoring the situation in the fraternity and sorority system and elsewhere on campus to see what kind of influenza transmission occurs. This is the leading edge of what we anticipate during the fall quarter. The virus thus far appears to be readily transmitted from person to person. It also appears to be relatively mild in intensity and people are recovering as the virus runs its course. We will keep you posted with further information as it becomes available. If you are at high risk for influenza complications (http://depts.washington.edu/hhpccweb/h1n1/index.php) and have been exposed contact your medical provider.

Sincerely,

Jean Haulman, M.D.
Medical Director
Campus Health Services