H1N1 Influenza case confirmed on Ripon College campus

On Thursday evening, May 7, 2009, the Fond du Lac County Health Department was notified of a confirmed case of H1N1 influenza in a Ripon College student. To date, it is the first and only confirmed case in Fond du Lac county.

Based on CDC guidance dated May 5, 2009, the Fond du Lac County Health Department is not recommending school closure but is asking students staff and faculty to note the following:

1.Any student, faculty or staff with symptoms of H1N1 influenza, defined as a fever of over 100 degrees along with such symptoms as cough, sore throat, runny nose and or body aches needs to remain isolated in their dorm room, apartment or at home until at least seven days have elapsed since the first day of illness or until symptoms have resolved, whichever is longer.

2.Most individuals with H1N1 influenza experience mild symptoms comparable to the seasonal flu and do not need medical care. However, if you are experiencing severe influenza symptoms and need medical care, contact your health provider or College Health Services by telephone before seeking care so appropriate measures can be taken to limit exposure to others.

3.Students, faculty and staff are asked to monitor their health daily for influenza symptoms and isolate themselves as quickly as possible if symptoms develop.

4.Students, faculty and staff experiencing influenza symptoms should not participate in extracurricular activities including sports, school events, or other public gatherings.

5.Students, faculty and staff with no symptoms of illness can continue their normal activities and practice good handwashing with soap and water or hand sanitizers along with covering your mouth and nose during a cough or sneeze.

6.Students with H1N1 influenza symptoms must report their illness to College Health Services @ 920-748-8141, which will offer additional hours from 11-2 Saturday, May 9 and from 11-12 Sunday, May 10. Any necessary testing will be done at Ripon Medical Center.

7.Any student concerned with the impact of their symptoms on their ability to take a final exam should contact Student Health Services and the Dean of Faculty for guidance. The determination of whether a student is healthy enough to take a final exam should not be made solely between a student and faculty member.

8.Faculty and staff with symptoms should report to their primary care providers.

More information of the H1N1 virus is available at www.cdc.gov/H1N1 and http://pandemic.wisconsin.gov/ or by calling 211 or the Fond du Lac County Health Department @ 920-929-3085 or 1-800-547-3640