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Swine flu hits at least 30 WVU students
School launches online survey to track virus
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — At least 218 cases of influenza-like illness have been reported at WVU, and Student Health officials have diagnosed about 30 cases of swine flu.
“Most of them are not confirmed, but presumed to be H1N1,” Dr. Jan E. Palmer, director of Student Health, said of the 218 cases.
WVU launched an online survey last week to track the number of swine flu cases on campus.
About 700 students, faculty and staff responded, but only 99 reported symptoms of influenza-like illness.
WVU altered the survey, asking people to respond only if they exhibited all the symptoms of swine flu. Symptoms include sudden onset of illness, a fever above 100.4 degrees and a cough or sore throat.
Another 119 cases of influenza-like illness were reported last week, bringing the total count to 218.
Holly Hildreth, a spokeswoman for the Monongalia County Health Department, said 29 cases of swine flu have been confirmed in Monongalia County, but state officials are no longer testing everyone for the virus. Instead, they are conducting random tests to monitor the spread of H1N1 and other types of influenza.
“H1N1 is the only flu circulating in West Virginia,” Hildreth said. “There are many, many more cases.”
Palmer said the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has instructed health officials to assume that anyone who exhibits flu symptoms has H1N1.
People with influenza-like illness should avoid going to the doctor and stay isolated until about 24 hours after their fever breaks. However, anyone with an underlying health condition — such as diabetes or asthma — should consult a physician.
Palmer said anyone with influenza-like illness who comes within six feet of others should wear a mask to keep from spreading the disease. Student Health officials have provided masks to students leaving the office, and housing officials have masks to hand out to sick students to protect their roommates.
Students who live in the dorms have been advised to notify resident assistants of their condition. Palmer is checking with housing officials to identify high-concentration areas on campus, but there aren’t any at this point.
“It’s kind of diffused across campus,” Palmer said.
Hildreth said swine flu vaccines should be available in limited amounts starting Thursday.
They will be offered to high-risk populations first, including pregnant women, people with underlying health conditions and anyone six months to 24 years old.
WVU will be responsible for administering the vaccine to its students, and there may be funding available to help. Ashley Schumaker, executive assistant to state Higher Education Policy Commission Chancellor Brian Noland, said the HEPC and the state Bureau for Public Health received $540,000 for swine flu planning and implementation on campus.
