Dear Faculty, Staff and Students:

We are writing to provide you with updated information about H1N1
influenza (swine flu) and to remind you of the continued importance of
taking appropriate precautions to prevent the spread of this virus.

Late Friday afternoon, District of Columbia health officials confirmed
the first case of an H1N1 virus infection in the University community.
This morning, two additional confirmed cases were reported to us by the
Department of Health. All three individuals have fully recovered and are
no longer contagious. Given the steadily increasing prevalence of the
H1N1 virus locally and throughout the United States, this incident is
not surprising and does not pose any additional health risks for other
members of the University community. Medical experts have continued to
observe that the vast majority of cases of H1N1 in the United States
have been relatively mild and that most individuals have recovered
quickly without special treatment. You may also be aware that the World
Health Organization last week declared a global H1N1 flu pandemic based
on the sustained spread of the illness, not its severity. Georgetown
officials continue to be in touch with public health authorities to
learn updated information and take any steps appropriate for the
University community.

While we do not believe there are any greater health risks to members of
the University community, we do ask that individuals continue to take
appropriate personal precautions to prevent the spread of the virus,
including regular hand washing and/or the use of alcohol based hand
sanitizer.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that most
patients with confirmed cases of H1N1 virus have experienced fever,
chills, headache, upper respiratory tract symptoms (cough, sore throat,
runny nose, shortness of breath), muscle aches, joint aches, fatigue,
vomiting, or diarrhea. According to the CDC groups at higher risk for
seasonal influenza complications include: young children, persons aged
65 years or older, children and adolescents who are receiving long-term
aspirin therapy and who might be at risk for experiencing Reye syndrome,
pregnant women, adults and children who have chronic pulmonary,
cardiovascular, hepatic, hematological, neurologic, neuromuscular, or
metabolic disorders, and adults and children who have immunosuppression
(including immunosuppression caused by medications or by HIV). Health
officials advise that individuals with influenza-like illness should
stay home for 7 days after their symptoms begin or until they have been
symptom-free for 24 hours and limit contact with others. Persons from
high risk groups or those who are experiencing severe symptoms should
seek medical attention.

Students who have influenza-like illness and who are at high risk or who
are severely ill should call the Student Health Center at 202-687-2200
and identify yourself as a possible flu case. You will be instructed
where and when to arrive at the clinic for evaluation. You can also
reach a clinician after hours by calling 202-444-PAGE and asking for the
Student Health clinician on call. Students may also consult with their
regular health care provider or seek treatment at the student health
provider for their program if overseas.

Faculty and staff who are ill should stay home and contact their
personal physician. Per the university's paid leave policy, faculty and
staff should contact their supervisor to report their absence from work.

Given the geographic spread of this virus locally and throughout the
United States a history of recent travel to specific geographic
locations is now considered less important in the evaluation of possible
flu. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has also removed its
travel warnings to Mexico though travelers are still urged to exercise
personal precautions to prevent the spread of the flu virus. For more
information about H1N1 you may visit http://www.pandemicflu.gov/ or
http://www.pandemicflu.gov/faq/swineflu/01.html

The University will continue the steps we’ve put in place to limit
exposure to this virus.  Officials remain in regular touch with public
health authorities to learn updated information and take any steps
appropriate for the University community.

Sincerely,

James Welsh, MD, MPH

Assistant Vice President for Student Health