University News
Probable Case of H1N1 at WIU-Macomb
October 14, 2009
MACOMB, IL -- Western Illinois University has its first probable case of H1N1 influenza on the Macomb campus. According to Mary Margaret Harris, director of Beu Health Center, a WIU student, who resides off-campus, was diagnosed today (Oct. 14) by Beu Health Center medical staff based on the student's clinical symptoms and results of a rapid diagnostic influenza test that indicated positive for influenza Type A virus. This is the first probable report of the virus on the Western Illinois campus this fall. In May 2009, the Macomb campus had one confirmed case.
Harris noted that the student has been advised to return to her permanent home until fever-free for at least 24 hours. Due to the positive results of the rapid influenza test, a second test has been sent to the Illinois Department of Public Health per H1N1 influenza surveillance purposes, Harris added.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), students, faculty or staff who live either on or off campus and who have the virus should self-isolate (i.e., stay away from others) in their residence hall room or home for seven days after the onset of illness or at least 24 hours after symptoms have resolved, whichever is longer.
For CDC recommendations for higher education institutions affected by H1N1, visit www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/institutions. Prevention is often the best medicine to avoid the virus, Harris stressed. Flu viruses are spread mainly from person-to-person through coughing or sneezing by people with influenza. Tips to avoid the transmission of influenza include covering a cough or sneeze with a tissue or sleeve, not hands; frequent handwashing; staying home when sick; and getting a flu shot.
Seasonal flu symptoms develop quickly; include fever and a sore throat and/or coughing, body aches, chills, and headache. Reported H1N1 symptoms are similar to seasonal flu and may also include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The symptoms of the common cold are generally much milder than the flu, develop more slowly, and usually do not include a fever.
"If you don't feel well, stay home and avoid contact with others," Harris stressed. "Students with a flu-like illness who live in group housing, such as a residence hall or fraternity/sorority, should return to their permanent home, if possible, to keep others from getting sick. Consistent with CDC recommendations, individuals with the flu should stay home until free of a fever for 24 hours."
Beu Health Center staff is continuing to perform routine influenza surveillance. WIU-Macomb students who feel ill should contact Beu Health Center at (309) 298-1888 prior to coming to the health center, while WIU-QC students should contact their local health care provider. Employees with flu-like symptoms should contact their local health care provider.
Since the H1N1 outbreak during the Spring 2009 semester, Western's Physical Plant staff have implemented additional disinfecting measures, including thorough cleaning of doorknobs, light switches, handrails and other commonly used/shared areas.
For more information about Beu's services, visit www.student.services.wiu.edu/beu. For more information related to H1N1, visit wiu.edu/pandemic.
Posted By: Darcie Shinberger (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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