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Health Notice — H1N1 Flu

Resources

Office of Emergency Management at Boise State, (208) 426-7447, cehs@boisestate.edu
Boise State Health, Wellness and Counseling Services, (208) 426-1459
World Health Organization, http://www.who.int/en/
U.S. Centers for Disease Control, http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/

Update as of June 29, 2009

Six cases of the H1N1 influenza have been confirmed by health authorities at Boise State University – all confined to participants in a college preparatory program.

The cases include five visiting high school students and a residential mentor. All the cases have been described as mild. The individuals have been self-isolated and are recovering at home. There are no current cases under surveillance.

All other activities on the Boise State campus are operating normally and no events have been canceled. University and local health officials continue to monitor the impact of the H1N1 virus on the campus community. Flu activity in Idaho is considered “sporadic” by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As of June 25 (updated weekly), Idaho has reported 72 confirmed or probable cases.

For the latest news, call 1-800-CDC-INFO or visit www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/. Additional questions from the campus community can be addressed to cehs@boisestate.edu.

Previous Announcements

June 25, 2009
Campus Announcement

A total of three H1N1 influenza cases involving the university community has been confirmed by health authorities. These include two visiting high school students and a counselor – all part of a college preparatory program. All three instances have been described as mild cases. The individuals have been self-isolated and are recovering at home.

All activities on the Boise State campus are operating normally and no events have been canceled. University and local health officials continue to monitor the impact of the H1N1 virus on the campus community. It is widespread in the United States. As of June 19 (updated weekly), Idaho had reported 47 confirmed or probable cases.

H1N1 has proven to be relatively mild – much like seasonal flu – and responsive to anti-viral drugs. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the H1N1 flu spreads from person to person in respiratory droplets from coughs and sneezes, just as regular seasonal flu viruses spread. To help prevent the spread of H1N1, people should use a tissue to cover coughs and sneezes; then throw the tissue away. Other prevention tips include proper, frequent hand washing, cleaning any commonly touched surfaces and avoiding contact with people who have flu-like symptoms.

While these measures will not eliminate the spread of the disease, they will help keep it to a minimum. People with flu-like symptoms (fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, diarrhea or vomiting) should contact their health-care providers and avoid contact with others. Health officials currently advise staying home from work, school and any community gatherings for seven days after the illness begins or until at least 24 hours after symptoms have disappeared, whichever is longer.

For the latest news, call 1-800-CDC-INFO or visit www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/. Additional questions from the campus community can be addressed to cehs@boisestate.edu.

June 18, 2009
Campus Announcement

The first case of the H1N1 flu virus has been confirmed at Boise State University as of Wednesday night (June 17). The affected student is part of a group of high school students visiting for a college preparation program. The student is recovering at home. As a precautionary measure, the program will have an early dismissal this week with plans to resume on Sunday.

All other activities on the Boise State campus are operating normally and no events have been canceled. According to the Centers for Disease Control, class cancellations are not advised unless there is a magnitude of faculty or student absenteeism that interferes with the institution’s ability to function.

In consultation with local health officials, the university is responding to the current situation in the following ways:

H1N1 has been reported in all 50 states as well as in Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico. As of June 12, Idaho had reported 29 confirmed or probable cases. University health and safety officials are monitoring the situation on campus. The university recognizes the ongoing health concerns regarding the spread of the H1N1 virus.

For the latest news, call 1-800-CDC-INFO or visit www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/. Additional questions from the campus community can be addressed to cehs@boisestate.edu.

 

June 3, 2009
Campus Announcement

Travel restriction to Mexico lifted. The full story is available online.

 

April 29, 2009
Campus Announcement

TRAVEL RESTRICTION and HEALTH ALERT

Boise State University health and safety officials have been monitoring state and federal news about the swine flu. The campus community is urged to pay attention to this virus and be aware of preventive steps.

As a precautionary measure, Boise State is issuing a travel health warning due to the swine influenza and severe cases of respiratory illness in Mexico. At this time, Boise State is following the recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that U.S. travelers avoid all non-essential travel to Mexico.

For Boise State, this travel restriction means that all university-sponsored trips to Mexico are suspended until further notice. Specific questions about travel can be addressed to the Office of Emergency Management at 426-7447 or e-mail inquiries to cehs@boisestate.edu.

If you must travel to an area that has reported cases of swine flu, please stay informed of the CDC recommendations through their Web site, http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentSwineFluMexico.aspx. You are urged to use caution in personal travel to Mexico’s bordering states and U.S. states that have reported cases to date (Arizona, California, Indiana, Kansas, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, New York City, Ohio, Texas).

Another resource providing information on how to deal with any stress and anxiety related to the virus can be found at http://apahelpcenter.org/articles/article.php?id=194.

 

April 28, 2009
Campus Announcement

Here are some important updates and health tips for Boise State University Students, Faculty and Staff, in response to heightened concern about the Swine Flu outbreak in the United States:

There are currently no confirmed cases of Swine Flu in Idaho or at Boise State University.

We do continue to see sporadic cases of seasonal influenza (not Swine Flu) on campus, so reducing the spread of these illnesses is still important, in addition to addressing the impact of a Swine Flu outbreak, should it occur.

Symptoms of the Swine Flu are:  cough, sore throat, aches, and fever of greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit.  Recent travel to Mexico or contact with a traveler from Mexico should heighten concern for a possible case of Swine Flu should you have these symptoms.

If you are ill with the above symptoms, contact your medical provider.  Treatment for Swine Flu is available, but works best if started within the first two days of the illness.  If you are ill, do not go to work or school until you have contacted your medical provider.

Simple hand washing with soap and water, or hand sanitizers will decrease your chance of illness. Wash your hands frequently after you are in public places.  If you cough, do so into a handkerchief or in the fold of your sleeve.

If you are planning travel to Mexico, consult the CDC website for the latest travel restrictions and advice:  www.cdc.gov

Follow this link to the Centers for Disease Control for the most up to date information about Swine Flu:  http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/swineflu_you.htm

Health, Wellness and Counseling Services and Boise State University emergency planners are continuously monitoring the Swine Flu outbreak in the US, and will provide you with any pertinent updates about the situation.

Vincent Serio, MD
Director of Medical Services
Health, Wellness, and Counseling Services
Boise State University
(208) 426-1459
vinceserio@boisestate.edu