H1N1 Flu: Update #3 (May 2, 2009)
May. 2, 2009 by Lisa Currie
The state of Connecticut has announced a confirmed case of H1N1 in Connecticut. This means that the travel component of the case criteria no longer apply for our evaluation of Wesleyan students.
Any student with a fever AND cough or sore throat should CALL the Davison Health Center (860.685.2470) to discuss their symptoms and arrange evaluation and treatment as appropriate. Faculty and staff meeting these criteria should contact their primary care provider.
Most reported cases remain mild. The current focus is on identifying and treating suspected cases and their close contacts to limit spread. Limiting contacts limits spread. It is very important to follow the recommendation that those with a febrile respiratory illness stay home for 7 days or until symptoms have resolved for 24 hours, whichever is longest.
On the positive side, the New York Times reports that the outbreak in Mexico may be smaller than initially feared. Only about half of cases tested so far turn out to actually be H1N1. There still remains the question of why the illness has been so much more severe in Mexico.
