National Swine Flu Situation PageTM Page: Click here
Latest UNH Information on H1N1 Virus (Swine Flu)
May 5, 2009
The university's response to the H1N1 virus is being coordinated by Paul H. Dean, director of the UNH Office of Emergency Management. Director Dean is in daily contact with the CDC and the State of New Hampshire Office of Homeland Security, and is overseeing our overall response should the virus affect the UNH community. He will be providing regular updates to this link.
Campus Status Report
At this time, there are 2 confirmed cases from the Concord, NH area
and 4 probable cases of H1N1 virus in the state of New Hampshire. UNH
emergency management personnel continue to monitor the cases reported
in Massachusetts and in Maine.
Click
here for more information from the State of New Hampshire.
Click here for more information from UNH Health Services.
Why isn't the UNH canceling classes?
All decisions regarding University operations are being driven by the best medical advice available. Health and emergency officials from the state, the NH Department of Health and Human Services and the University of New Hampshire continue to support the decision to keep the campus open and continue to monitor the situation closely.
UNH Preparedness
UNH has a strong pandemic plan in place. All elements of the university—academic departments, student life, athletics, etc.—are covered in this plan. The University Emergency Group (UEG) meets when necessary to review the status of the spread of the virus.
Thus far, the H1N1 virus is a flu from which the majority of those infected will recover. At this time, it is business as usual at UNH, with no expected cancellation of events or classes. If this changes, the campus will be notified through its RoamSecure system and on the UNH Web site.
Communications to the Campus
President Mark W. Huddleston issued a campus-wide communication on Wednesday, April 29, archived below. At this point in time, he wants faculty, staff, students and visitors to UNH to take reasonable precautions:
- Stay at home if you have flu-like symptoms. We also recommend you call your primary care physician. If symptoms appear while on campus, go to Health Services to be seen by a health care provider there.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
While we have not had to deal with a flu outbreak exactly like this before, we are well-prepared to do so if cases are identified in New Hampshire or at the university.
Campus Events
At this time, no campus events have been cancelled. If this changes, because of increased reports of confirmed cases in the area, we will post information on the UNH homepage. For example, as of April 29, there were 10 reports of the H1N1 virus at the University of Delaware, and officials there are evaluating the cancellation of events on a case-by-case basis. For example, a large lecture open to the public, as well as a concert, were cancelled.
Study Abroad Programs
Faculty and staff are in close communication with our three students currently studying in Mexico, as well as with the host institutions. In collaboration with campus emergency management officials, faculty and staff also are updating their advisories as needed and are currently evaluating the status of planned summer programs.
Thank you.
Paul H. Dean
Director of the UNH Office of Emergency Management
More Communication Information
5/7/09: Latest UNH Information on H1N1 Virus (Swine Flu): click here
5/5/09: UNH Information on H1N1 Virus (Swine Flu): click here
5/2/09: UNH Information on H1N1 Virus (Swine Flu): click here
5/01/09: UNH Information on H1N1 Virus (Swine Flu): click here
4/30/09: UNH Information on H1N1 Virus (Swine Flu): click here
4/29/09: UNH H1N1 (Swine Flu) Virus Update: click here
4/27/09: UNH Monitors H1N1 (Swine Flu); FAQ and more: click here