H1N1 Flu Updates

April 27, 2009

Dear Members of the Goucher Community:

As many of you may have already heard, American health officials declared a public emergency yesterday as 20 cases of swine flu were confirmed in this country.  That number has since grown to 40 U.S. cases.  So far, no cases of swine flu have been reported in Maryland, and none of our students overseas has reported any symptoms.

We are committed to ensuring the safety of all Goucher students, faculty, and staff.  Members of our pandemic flu task force are watching the situation closely, and at this point, they believe there is little reason to worry that an outbreak will occur on campus. Meanwhile, they will continue to meet regularly and advise me on the situation. 

Here are some efforts we are already undertaking:

• Monitoring the situation on campus, in the state, and in the nation
• Alerting you to any major changes in the transmission of the virus and precautions you should take
• Temporarily halting the import/use of food products from Mexico
• Reminding food service personnel of the precautions they need to take regularly, such as hand-washing and use of gloves
• Wrapping individual desserts and removing some “pick-up” food in the dining halls for the time being
• Replenishing our emergency supplies, such as flu packs.

The primary symptoms of the swine flu include sudden onset of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and severe body aches.  Secondary symptoms could include chills and upper respiratory symptoms.

Here are some recommended precautions faculty, staff, and students should take to keep themselves and other community members healthy:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or cough or sneeze into your sleeve, not into your hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.  Alcohol-based cleansers are also effective.
• To prevent the spread of germs, avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. 

NOTE TO STUDENTS – If you experience flu-like symptoms, stay in your room and contact Student Health Services immediately at 410-337-6050.

NOTE TO FACULTY/STAFF – If you experience flu-like symptoms, stay home from work and contact your primary care physician.

We will continue to update you as necessary.  In the meantime, you can get more information about the swine flu at www.cdc.gov/swineflu/index.htm.

Sandy Ungar

Sanford J. Ungar, President
Goucher College
1021 Dulaney Valley Road
Baltimore, MD  21204
Office: 410-337-6040  Fax: 410-337-6055
sungar@goucher.edu