Fairfield University was informed this morning by the State of Connecticut Public Health Department that two Fairfield University students have been identified with "probable" swine flu. These students had not traveled to Mexico and their cases are not life-threatening. They were not hospitalized and are recovering.
Gary Nelson, Director of the Student Health Center, and his staff are working closely with local and state health officials to closely monitor other reports of influenza. They are following the guidelines issued by the State of Connecticut Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control for this flu.
The Health Center, which is open to students around the clock and staffed with medical doctors, nurse practitioners, and registered nurses, was equipped to test the students on Monday when they came to the Health Center with symptoms of the flu. When the tests were positive for Influenza, samples were sent to the State where it was determined that this was not a regular seasonal influenza virus. Samples were then sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and we are awaiting the results.
Fairfield officials have informed the campus community of these developing events along with a list of symptoms to be aware of and information on how swine flu is spread. They also issued the following precautionary steps to take:
Fairfield University remains fully open, and all operations and activities, including final examinations, will continue uninterrupted. Students identified with probable swine flu and those they have been in immediate contact with have been contacted by State officials and Fairfield University will work closely with them.
Governor Rell's release can be accessed at
http://www.ct.gov/governorrell/cwp/view.asp?A=3675&Q=439258
Websites:
www.cdc.gov/flu/swine
Student Health Center (203) 254-4000 ext. 2241
Posted On: 04-30-2009 10:04 AM
Volume: 41 Number: 326