Message to Faculty and Staff Regarding Flu

April 29, 2009
Dear Colleagues:

This afternoon, Governor John Baldacci said three cases of swine flu have been confirmed in Maine. Two of those cases are in Kennebec County. The third is in York County. All three cases involve adults who are being treated at home. According to the head of the Maine Center for Disease Control, investigators are still gathering information about the three infected people, including their recent travel history. The Maine CDC is posting regular updates to its website.

Wednesday morning, the CDC confirmed the first swine flu-related fatality in the United States – a 23- month-old child in Texas – and reported 91 confirmed cases of swine flu in the U.S. The acting head of the CDC said he expects the number of swine flu cases to increase, along with the number of flu-related hospitalizations and fatalities. Up-to-date information on the CDC’s ongoing investigation of the swine flu pandemic is available at its website.

On Tuesday afternoon, Colby's Emergency Response Team met to review the College’s established plan for dealing with a pandemic, and this group will continue to meet regularly. As this situation evolves, I urge you to keep in mind some important information about the flu and how it spreads.
  • Swine flu is thought to spread the same way seasonal flu spreads, i.e. from person to person through coughing, sneezing or physical contact.
  • The CDC offers some simple guidelines to avoid contracting the flu, and I recommend you take a few moments to review them.
If you, or a family member, experience the following symptoms please contact your health-care provider.
  • A fever of 101 degrees or greater, plus a cough or sore throat;
  • Some people with swine flu have also reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
And, lastly, if you have recently visited Mexico, the CDC recommends you pay close attention to your health for seven to 10 days after your return and seek medical care if you develop flu symptoms, i.e. a fever of 101 degrees or greater, plus a cough or sore throat. The CDC currently recommends avoiding all nonessential travel to Mexico. Read the CDC’s Travel Health Precaution for Mexico for more details.

Paul D. Berkner, D.O.,F.A.A.P.
Colby College
Medical Director
Director of Sports Medicine