Swine flu cases increase on campus
Tawanda Kanhema
Issue date: 9/17/09 Section: News
It's six months after the outbreak of the H1N1 virus in the U.S. and university campuses across the country are littered with graphic posters reminding students to cover their noses when they sneeze and wash their hands regularly as confirmed cases of H1N1 increase. But no one seems to know exactly which way the pandemic is swinging.
Despite extensive H1N1 awareness campaigns, university campuses in Missouri particularly have taken a knock from the pandemic, with the University of Missouri-Columbia reporting that at least 50 students have consulted health officials with suspected symptoms of swine flu.
Earlier this week Truman's department of student health services confirmed that it had recorded nine cases of swine flu, and the state laboratory has since stopped taking specimens from the University for testing. But there are no indications on whether the flu is receding or still on the offensive.
"We are no longer sending in specimens to the state laboratory since it is now evident that we do have the H1N1 on campus," said Brenda Higgins, director of the Student Health Center.
At least 1,640 swine flu cases have been reported from 165 colleges, according to a recent survey by the American College Health Association.Â
Truman has spent between $10,000 and $12,000 on publicity and sanitation to prevent the spread of H1N1, according to figures gathered from different departments, and campus awareness campaigns have gone into overdrive. Still, flu cases have climbed from one to nine during the past two weeks.
"It appears that the majority of our students are doing what they've been encouraged to do," Higgins said. "That is to self-isolate at home until they have no fever for 24 hours.Â
"I think this has really been helping to keep the numbers down. The students who have had the H1N1 have recuperated without incident."
There are some unreported cases involving students who have not checked into the health center, but instead opted to seek medical attention at home in line with response procedures recommended by the institution. Â
Despite extensive H1N1 awareness campaigns, university campuses in Missouri particularly have taken a knock from the pandemic, with the University of Missouri-Columbia reporting that at least 50 students have consulted health officials with suspected symptoms of swine flu.
Earlier this week Truman's department of student health services confirmed that it had recorded nine cases of swine flu, and the state laboratory has since stopped taking specimens from the University for testing. But there are no indications on whether the flu is receding or still on the offensive.
"We are no longer sending in specimens to the state laboratory since it is now evident that we do have the H1N1 on campus," said Brenda Higgins, director of the Student Health Center.
At least 1,640 swine flu cases have been reported from 165 colleges, according to a recent survey by the American College Health Association.Â
Truman has spent between $10,000 and $12,000 on publicity and sanitation to prevent the spread of H1N1, according to figures gathered from different departments, and campus awareness campaigns have gone into overdrive. Still, flu cases have climbed from one to nine during the past two weeks.
"It appears that the majority of our students are doing what they've been encouraged to do," Higgins said. "That is to self-isolate at home until they have no fever for 24 hours.Â
"I think this has really been helping to keep the numbers down. The students who have had the H1N1 have recuperated without incident."
There are some unreported cases involving students who have not checked into the health center, but instead opted to seek medical attention at home in line with response procedures recommended by the institution. Â
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