Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Influenza A (H1N1) Campus Update

June 16, 2009

To: Members of the Campus Community

In light of the recent determination by the World Health Organization (WHO) that the Influenza A (H1N1) pandemic has now reached Phase 6, I wanted to provide an update to the campus community. While this heightened level is of reasonable concern and requires ongoing assessment, it is also worth noting that the WHO has concluded that, "At this time, WHO considers the overall severity of the influenza pandemic to be moderate. This assessment is based on scientific evidence available to WHO, as well as input from its Member States on the pandemic's impact on their health systems, and their social and economic functioning." In summary, the vast majority of individuals who have contracted H1N1, have experienced mild disease and have recovered without need for hospitalization.

Within the campus community, we continue to have solid protocols in place for students, faculty and staff who exhibit symptoms of influenza, and this requires each of us to be vigilant and act with due caution when symptoms emerge. We have had two recent cases of students experiencing flu-like symptoms within our campus community. Both students sought medical treatment, isolated themselves for seven days after developing symptoms, and are recuperating without complications. These cases are currently classified by the Allegheny County Health Department as "probable." We will not be certain if the students had the H1N1 virus until we receive confirmation from the State Department of Labs.

While the H1N1 influenza seems to be primarily a mild disease thus far, students should contact Student Health Services at 412-268-8220 if they develop any flu-like symptoms, such as a fever of 100 degrees F or more (37.8 C) and a cough, sore throat, congestion, fatigue, body aches, nausea and vomiting or diarrhea or if they are diagnosed with influenza by an off-campus health care provider. Students who are ill with these symptoms should isolate themselves for seven days or until free of symptoms for at least 24 hours, whichever is longer. If you do not have a thermometer, you can get Temp-a-dots from Student Health Services, the University Center Information Desk or desk attendants in the Mudge House.

Faculty and staff experiencing flu-like symptoms, including a fever, should contact their health care provider and not come to work for at least seven days or until free of symptoms for at least 24 hours, whichever is longer. Student Health Services would like to know of any community member who is diagnosed with influenza, and we are ready to help any member of the campus community who has any questions or concerns. You can call Student Health Services at 412-268-8220.

The H1N1 flu is most commonly spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes into the air that others breathe. The virus can live on surfaces for up to two hours so it is possible that the virus can be transmitted through contact with contaminated objects. Therefore, covering your cough and sneeze, and washing your hands frequently remain the best and simplest ways to decrease the spread of viruses, including H1N1.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a regularly updated Web site at http://www.cdc.gov that provides detailed information about transmission and prevention. Information is also available online at: http://www.studentaffairs.cmu.edu/HealthServices/announcements/2009/swine-flu.html

We will continue to monitor the situation on campus and will notify you should any additional precautions become advisable. As you may be aware, Carnegie Mellon already has a plan in place that provides a structure for response to public health issues. As such, we have been in contact with the Allegheny County Health Department and will continue to monitor emergency response and public health sites closely. In the meantime, individuals should practice good cough etiquette and wash their hands frequently in order to prevent the spread of viruses like the H1N1 flu.

Please help us keep Carnegie Mellon a safe and healthy environment for everyone. Thank you for your attention and vigilance.