H1N1 update

Hand washing is a particularly effective way to halt the spread of viruses.

With the H1N1 virus (human swine influenza) continuing to spread in Nova Scotia, it’s possible the virus has come to the Dalhousie campus.

Several staffers are home with the flu. The cases, unconfirmed as H1N1 by a laboratory, are deemed to be mild. The employees are not expected back at work until symptoms pass, a recommended seven days.

“Dalhousie isn't immune to this virus and we know it's a reality we have to deal with,” says Ken Burt, Dal’s vice president, finance. “We have been working hard to ensure we're ready as the safety and well-being of our students and staff are, as always, our top priority.”

In a news conference last week, Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia’s chief public health officer, reminded Nova Scotians that people need to be vigilant in their efforts to help control the spread of the virus by using good hygiene practices. They were also reminded to stay home from work or social activities for at least seven days if they experience flu-like symptoms.

“This effort will involve everyone on campus working together to minimize the potential impact to the university through these challenging circumstances,” continued Mr. Burt.

At Dalhousie, 50 hand sanitizer stations are being set up at all three campuses, Studley, Sexton and Carleton and another 50 are on order.

Posters and handouts about H1N1, with details about symptoms, personal hygiene and other precautions, are being distributed.

As well, pandemic planning has taken on greater significance at the university prepares for the return of students in September. Chaired by Bonnie Neuman, vice president student services, the Communicable Illnesses Task Force has been meeting weekly to revisit and revise emergency plans. Issues under discussion include a university-paid vaccination program, where to accommodate and isolate ill students, how to keep classes running and how to provide back-up for ill staffers.

“We’re systematically going through every aspect of the university, step by step, to make sure we’re prepared no matter what happens,” says Charles Crosby, of Dalhousie’s Communications and Marketing Office who sits on the committee.

“It’s still early and we have to be prepared because we may be dealing with a more virulent virus in the fall,” adds Ray Ilson, director of Dalhousie’s Environmental Health and Safety Office.

As of July 16, There have been 358 confirmed cases of H1N1 (human swine influenza) in Nova Scotia. One additional hospitalized case was confirmed today, July 16. That brings the province's total number of hospitalized cases to nine since the outbreak started on April 26.

LINKS: FIGHTFLU Nova Scotia | Public Health Agency of Canada | Health Canada | Centers for Disease Control and Prevention