Sept. 18, 2009: Letter to Campus Community

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff,

Our Emergency Preparedness Task Force aims to continue keeping the campus community informed about the swine flu situation, and I therefore write to share this update with you. As of this morning, Sept. 18, we have 51 active cases of individuals (49 students and two faculty) who have tested positive for type A influenza, which we are presuming to be H1N1, or swine flu, based on the advice of public health officials. Thirty-nine students and three faculty members who were previously diagnosed with type A influenza, dating back to Sept. 6, have since recovered.

The students who have been diagnosed with presumed H1N1 have been isolated or when possible returned home to recover. The two faculty members are recovering at home.

To help prevent the spread of flu, it is important that you note the following:
 
If you are diagnosed with presumed H1N1 or any other flu-like illness, you should stay out of class and away from other campus activities of all kinds, including meetings and athletics, until you are no longer contagious, which is until you have no fever for 24 hours (without having to take flu-reduction medicines). This usually takes about five days. This request includes the following:
 
For Students
Before going to the student health center, students with symptoms of illness - and only students with symptoms of illness — should first call Student Health Services (SHS) at 570-577-1401, or after hours, the Department of Public Safety at 570-577-3333. Calling before visiting SHS will help us determine if your symptoms make it necessary that you visit SHS and will help ensure that medical staff are available to promptly diagnose those who must be seen in person. By calling before visiting the SHS you will also help diminish any potential transmission of the flu or any other illness to others.
 
For Faculty and Staff
If you experience any combination of these symptoms, please contact your family physician or nearest hospital, do not come to work until you are well again, and inform your supervisor if you have the flu. If faculty or staff members have concerns about available sick leave, they should e-mail or call Human Resources.
 
Please visit the special website, www.bucknell.edu/swineflu, for more information on H1N1 and regular updates on cases at Bucknell.
 
Thank you.
 
Sincerely,
Donald W. Stechschulte Jr.
Director, Student Health Services