From: News Alert E-Memo (memofrom@Colorado.EDU)
Date: Tue May 05 2009 - 20:58:52 MDT
Date: Tue, 5 May 2009 20:58:52 -0600 (MDT) From: News Alert E-Memo <memofrom@Colorado.EDU> Subject: : Recommendations following a CU-Boulder student positive test for the A(H1N1) virus
TO: All CU-Boulder students
FROM: Phil DiStefano, Chancellor
Deb Coffin, Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Dean of
Students
Gary Chadwick, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Health and Wellness,
SENDER: University Communications
DATE: May 5, 2009
SUBJECT: : Recommendations following a CU-Boulder student positive test for the A(H1N1) virus
Dear CU students:
The CU-Boulder campus was informed today by Boulder County Public Health that one of our students has tested positive for A(H1N1) "swine flu" virus.
We have been following virus containment measures for more than a week on campus, and our investigation of this particular case shows that none of the student's close contacts - those who would be at most risk for contracting this illness - are showing flu-like symptoms. Casual contacts, including those in the same class or living on the same residence hall floor as a case, are not considered to be at high risk.
Two more cases of CU students who live off campus and are suspected of having the virus have samples undergoing further testing and we should have results by the end of this week or the beginning of next week.
As we move toward the end of the semester, we advise that you keep following the preventive measures outlined on our CU flu Web site: http://www.colorado.edu/safety/h1n1/. There are no new measures or steps to take because of the identification of a single case of the virus on campus - it is still very important that you wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water, cover your nose when you sneeze, stay at home if you have a fever and a cough, and see a doctor immediately if you have these or other flu-like symptoms. Students who have flu-like symptoms including a fever and cough should make special arrangements for final exams with each professor/instructor.
In taking or administering exams, take extra precautions by bringing tissues with you, and wash your hands before and after the exam. If possible, sit at least three feet away from anyone sneezing or coughing. Don't share drinks, lip balm or food with your fellow students. Before exams, get as much rest as you can, and eat right and drink plenty of liquids. If you have an exercise routine, stay with it.
If you are expecting family to visit for commencement, please advise them that there is no general threat to the community posed by a confirmed case of the H1N1 virus on campus. Again, as stated above, we will have hand gel at Folsom Stadium and extra tissues are available for visitors as protective measures at commencement, but the public can help by making sure that anyone with a fever and a cough stays at home. Pregnant women, people with suppressed immune systems (such as cancer patients or diabetics) or those with small children should make a careful decision about attending commencement or any large public event.
Your health and safety are our concern whether you are on campus or off, so in traveling over the summer, make sure you check all CDC travel advisories and warnings http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentSwineFlu.aspx, and that you take health precautions when in airports, train stations or other public areas.
Again, there is no reason for alarm about a confirmed case of the A(H1N1) virus on campus. The virus at this point is acting like a regular seasonal virus, but there is no population immunity and no vaccine, so it is important to do all we can to contain it. Remaining vigilant and attentive to these measures now and throughout the summer and into next fall - when it is possible this virus could re-emerge - is important for your long-term health and for the health of others on and off campus.
If there are new developments regarding cases on campus or other vital news regarding the virus, you will receive an e-memo like this one advising you about them. Until then, we invite you to check the university's flu Web site for updates and helpful information. Again, that address is: http://www.colorado.edu/safety/h1n1.
Best of luck to you for finals and commencement,
Sincerely,
Phil DiStefano, Chancellor
Deb Coffin, Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Dean of Students
Gary Chadwick, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Health and Wellness
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