Swine Influenza & MnSCU Campuses
The following letter was sent to Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Campus Presidents from Ruth Lynfield, MD, State Epidemiologist:
As you likely are aware, human cases of swine influenza A (H1N1) virus infection have been identified in the United States. A number of the identified cases have been school-aged children, although none of these cases were in post-secondary institutions.
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has increased surveillance including testing of patients who are being evaluated for influenza-like illness. Minnesota has not identified a swine influenza case to date.
MDH is not recommending any cancellation of classes at this time. The situation may change if there is spread in Minnesota. At this time we recommend that you emphasize basic infection prevention measures with your staff and students. These measures include:
• covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
• washing your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub
• staying home when you are sick.
In addition, we recommend that you stay in regular contact with local health officials and report to them if you have students with flu-like symptoms who have been to Mexico or to parts of the U.S. with confirmed cases of swine influenza, or students who have had contact with sick persons who had been to one of the areas with confirmed cases of swine influenza.
The situation with swine flu is rapidly evolving and we expect more information will be forthcoming. We are committed to keeping schools informed and are continually updating our website at www.health.state.mn.us