Newsroom

Swine Flu

May 11, 2009

The number of confirmed cases of H1N1 flu in Los Angeles County has risen to 23, with 31 probable cases awaiting confirmation. Overall, the number of confirmed cases in California is 193. Occidental remains flu-free. In keeping with the latest recommendations from the federal Centers for Disease Control ("CDC is not currently recommending that institutions cancel or dismiss classes or other large gathering"), Occidental Commencement will be held as scheduled at 10 a.m. on Sunday, May 17.

May 8, 2009

As we head into the weekend, the number of confirmed cases of H1N1 flu in Los Angeles County has risen slightly to 14, with 18 probable cases awaiting confirmation. Overall, the number of confirmed cases in California stands at 171, with the largest number of cases in the southernmost part of the state in San Diego and Imperial counties. Occidental remains flu-free.

Finals ended today, and residence halls close to all but graduating seniors tomorrow. We still plan to continue with Commencement as scheduled on Sunday, May 17.

May 7, 2009

The number of confirmed cases of H1N1 flu in Los Angeles County remains at 11, with 15 probable cases awaiting the return of test results. Given that the virus has produced only mild to moderate illness, more in keeping with regular seasonal strains, both the federal Centers for Disease Control and the California Department of Public Health has revised their flu guidelines. School closures are now recommended only when the number of confirmed cases rises to the level that it could impair the operation of the school.

To date, Occidental has remained free of the flu and continues to operate normally. Tomorrow is the last day of finals, and Commencement is still proceeding as scheduled on Sunday, May 17.

May 4, 2009

Eleven confirmed cases of H1N1 virus now have been identified in Los Angeles County, including a student at Cal State Long Beach who is now recovering. None of the local cases has required hospitalization, and county health officials report that thus far H1N1 is behaving like conventional seasonal flu strains. To date, a total of 69 confirmed cases and 121 probable cases of the H1N1 flu have been identified in California.

Finals began today on the Occidental campus, and planning continues for Commencement on Sunday, May 17. College officials continue to monitor the situation.

May 2, 2009

Los Angeles County remains free of confirmed cases of the H1N1 flu, although there are at least three probable cases awaiting test results, including a student at Cal State Long Beach. Life on the Occidental campus continues uninterrupted, with finals scheduled to begin Monday, May 4. College officials continue to monitor the situation closely, and remain in contact with public health officials.

Statewide, there are 24 confirmed cases and 55 probable cases of flu in California. Of the confirmed cases, only three were hospitalized, and all have recovered and been released.

April 30, 2009

Two of California's 28 suspected cases of the H1N1 flu are in Los Angeles County, where no confirmed cases have been identified to date, state health officials said today -- the last day of regularly scheduled classes at Occidental. The College remains fully open and there are no plans to interrupt or curtail any operations and activities, including final examinations scheduled for next week.

Occidental continues to monitor the situation daily and to urge members of the College community to take common-sense steps to prevent infection, including frequent hand washing and coughing or sneezing into the crook of one's arm.

April 29, 2009

The World Health Organization today raised its infectious disease alert level to phase 5 (out of 6), setting the stage for increased efforts to combat swine flu. Phase 5 is considered a situation in which the likelihood of a pandemic "is very high or inevitable," according to WHO officials.

Occidental continues to monitor the situation closely, remains in contact with local health officials, and is committed to keeping the campus community informed. Should a confirmed case of swine flu be identified on campus, we will notify everyone and take the appropriate steps to isolate the student and follow Centers for Disease Control protocols.

As of this afternoon, local health officials were reporting 14 confirmed cases and 17 probable cases of swine flu in California. None of the confirmed cases were in Los Angeles County, but Cal State Long Beach officials have received word of a “probable positive” test for one of their students, who has what is being described as a mild case. County health officials have already acknowledged that confirmed cases are inevitable in the Los Angeles area, given the size of the population and the volume of traffic between here and Mexico, where the outbreak is believed to be centered.

Confirmation of a case of swine flu on campus does not necessarily mean a major disruption. Classes at Cal State Long Beach have continued uninterrupted, as was the case at the University of Notre Dame, where a student case of swine flu was confirmed yesterday. At a briefing held earlier today, Jonathan Fielding, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, urged Angelenos to continue their normal activities.

Swine flu symptoms – fever, fatigue, sore throat, cough, body aches and chills – are similar to regular seasonal flu strains. If students are experiencing flu-like symptoms, they should come to Emmons for evaluation. Faculty and staff should consult with their health care provider.

The most effective steps everyone can take to avoid illness are the same they have always been:

• Cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow if you don’t have a tissue.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• If you are sick, stay home, get plenty of rest, and drink fluids. For students, this means not attending class, not going to work, and limiting contact with others.

County health officials advise that unless you are already sick, there is no need to wear a face mask. Bottles of hand sanitizer have been distributed to public locations throughout campus, including computer labs in Clapp Library, to help everyone observe these guidelines.

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April 28, 2009

On Sunday, April 26 a national public health emergency was declared in light of confirmed swine flu cases diagnosed in the United States, part of an international outbreak that appears to have begun in Mexico.

 The 64 U.S. cases confirmed to date include a total of 13 in Imperial, San Diego and Sacramento counties in California. There have been no confirmed cases locally here in Los Angeles County. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger declared a state of emergency in California on April 28 to more effectively mobilize resources to combat the outbreak. While swine flu deaths have been confirmed in Mexico, all reported U.S. cases have been mild. To date, only two have resulted in hospitalization.

Occidental and the Emmons Health Center are carefully monitoring the situation. Swine flu symptoms – fever, fatigue, sore throat, cough, body aches and chills – are similar to regular seasonal flu strains. If students are experiencing flu-like symptoms, they have been instructed to come to Emmons for proper evaluation. The California Department of Public Health has announced that California is now the first state with the capability to test samples for swine flu. Previously, all samples had to be sent to the CDC in Atlanta for testing.

This season’s flu vaccine does not offer protection against swine flu. However, the most effective steps everyone can take to avoid illness are the same they have always been:

• Cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow if you don’t have a tissue.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Try to avoid contact with sick people. Flu is thought to spread primarily person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.

If you are sick, stay home, get plenty of rest, and drink fluids. County health officials advise that unless you are already sick, there is no need to wear a face mask. Bottles of hand sanitizer have been distributed to public locations throughout campus.

Updates can be found on the L.A. County, California state and CDC websites:

http://www.lapublichealth.org/
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/index.htm
http://www.cdph.ca.gov/

Please know that Occidental is monitoring the situation, is in contact with local public health officials, and will take precautionary measures as needed. We will continue to provide updates as additional information becomes available.