Officials warn of swine flu dangers

IU President Michael McRobbie on Monday directed all IU campuses, faculty and students to take precautions to prevent and limit the spread of swine flu.

Campus medical personnel will monitor the situation and issue guidance on how people can prevent the spread of the flu virus, according to an IU press release.

Diana Ebling, medical director of the IU Bloomington Health Center, said IU will be in touch with the state and federal health agencies for updated guidance on the situation.

So far, IU medical personnel have seen no evidence of flu infections among students, according to the press release. Currently, there are no known swine flu cases in Indiana, but one has been confirmed in Ohio.

Students can help prevent an outbreak by following common infection control measures, such as frequently washing hands and coughing into tissues.

Swine flu symptoms – which include fever, sore throat, cough, body aches, vomiting and diarrhea – are similar to symptoms of the common flu, according to the press release.

Students experiencing any of these symptoms are encouraged to visit the campus health center immediately.

IU employees were told to stay home if they experience any symptoms.

The IU campus has been preparing for a potential pandemic or campus emergency for years, according to the press release.  McRobbie activated the University Emergency
Preparedness Committee and directed it to take responsibility for whatever planning or response is needed to the swine flu outbreak, according to the press release.

As suspected cases in the United States continued to grow in recent days, President Barack Obama declared a nationwide public health emergency Sunday.

In Mexico, where the virus is presumed to have originated, 149 people have died after contracting the disease.

However, swine flu has not been declared a pandemic, and the IU has plans and procedures in place to ensure the safety and well-being of its students, faculty and staff.

More information about swine flu can be found at http://www.indianauniversity.info.