Message to Students Regarding Flu | April 29

April 29, 2009
Dear Students:

I wrote to you Monday regarding the swine flu outbreak in Mexico and the spread of the virus to the United States and other countries. I write to you now with an update of this situation.

Wednesday afternoon, Governor John Baldacci and director of the Maine Center for Disease Control, Dr. Dora Anne Mills, reported three confirmed cases of swine flu 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. The Maine CDC is also providing regular updates on its website.

Wednesday morning the CDC reported 91 confirmed cases of swine flu in the United States and one fatality—a 23-month-old child in Texas. Officials at the CDC say they expect additional confirmed cases of swine flu, along with more flu-related hospitalizations and fatalities. The CDC provides regular updates on 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.
Students should call or visit the Health Center in the Garrison-Foster building and speak with a registered nurse if they experience the following symptoms:
  • 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. Read the CDC’s Travel Health Precaution for Mexico for more details.

I will keep you updated as this situation evolved and, as always, if you have questions or concerns relating to your health, please contact the Health Center at 859-4460.

Paul D. Berkner, D.O.,F.A.A.P.
Colby College
Medical Director
Director of Sports Medicine
4460 Mayflower Hill
Waterville, Maine 04901