Swine flu update

By now campus community members are aware of the national and global swine influenza outbreak (swine flu). This message is meant to update the Wheaton community on the impact of this disease and offer other important information.

There are no reported or suspected cases of H1N1 influenza (swine flu) on the Wheaton College campus. Wheaton's administrators continue to monitor this situation closely.

Campus health and safety for Commencement/Reunion Weekend and beyond will be maintained using guidelines from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Everyone must do their part to guard against the flu and other communicable diseases.

The CDC offers these important protective steps:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Practice good "cough etiquette" by coughing or sneezing into a tissue, or into your elbow instead of into your hands.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you get sick, stay home and limit contact with others to avoid infecting them.

Wheaton officials have taken additional preventative measures, including distributing hand sanitizer dispensers in academic and athletic facilities. Building Services will maintain these locations and will keep supplies in stock throughout the summer.

The events regarding this outbreak are evolving rapidly. We will keep the Wheaton community informed of important developments.

Massachusetts residents can now call (2-1-1) for basic information about swine flu. More information on swine flu can be found on the following Web links:

Swine Flu Fact Sheet
http://www.mass.gov/Eeohhs2/docs/dph/cdc/factsheets/swine_flu.pdf

Massachusetts Swine Flu Information:
http://mass.gov/dph

MDPH Blog (offers regular situation updates)
http://publichealth.blog.state.ma.us/

U.S. CDC Swine Influenza Website:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/swine/

WHO Swine Influenza information
http://www.who.int/en/