Campus message regarding H1N1 (swine flu)
Dear Campus Community:
We were notified last night that three visitors to the William & Mary campus have been treated for what appears to be symptoms of the H1N1 influenza, also known as Swine Flu. The three individuals include two visiting counselors and one visiting student were part of a youth enrichment program the College hosts each summer for elementary and secondary students. They have tested positive for “Type A” influenza, which likely means they have H1N1. They are now home recovering. We have no indications influenza has spread to anyone on campus or other visitors.
All families of participating students - those of students who attended last week’s session and those whose session began yesterday – have been contacted by the camp’s operator. The program consists of six, one-week sessions with different sets of students each week.
The College immediately undertook a number of steps to prevent the spread of the virus. The residence area in the Reves Center where the students and counselors were staying as well as a computer lab in Blow Hall were cleaned and disinfected.
The College’s medical staff remains in close contact with professionals from the Virginia Department of Health. We have been assured that the campus community is safe and that the camp sessions may continue. We will continue to monitor the situation.
As cases of H1N1 in the state and region increase, health officials have indicated that the cases do not appear any more severe than the seasonal flu. With that in mind, we should remain vigilant. Remember to take precautions to help prevent the spread of the virus. If you are sick or suspect you have any symptoms related to swine flu (fever, chills, body aches,) please stay at home and contact your doctor.
Precautions suggested by health officials include:
1. Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough, and disposing of it afterward.
2. Frequent hand-washing.
3. Avoiding close contact with sick people.
For more information, please visit the resource web page by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Thank you.
Anna B. Martin
Vice President for Administration and Chair of the Emergency Management Team
