President Knapp Issues Statement on Swine Flu, Third Student Diagnosed

Update: According to a recent GW infomail, "The DC Department of Health has advised the University that a third GW student diagnosed with influenza is a probable case of H1N1 influenza. The DC Department of Health has asked the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to do additional testing.  We should emphasize that at the current time there are no confirmed cases of H1N1 at GW. The DC Department of Health is still awaiting the results of CDC testing on samples from two students sent late last week. It was determined that these students are no longer contagious."

After the student was diagnosed at the GW Hospital, the university "implemented our protocols, including moving the student to a private room in a residence hall to limit exposure to other students, informing those in close personal contact and providing them with information about symptoms, treatment and prevention. The student is recovering rapidly following treatment.

On Saturday Evening, GW President Steven Knapp sent out a message over the infomail system regarding the two cases of N1H1 influenza (commonly referred to as Swine Flu) that were discovered on the GW campus.

According to Knapp, "While we continue to await results of testing by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the District of Columbia Department of Health has determined that these two students are no longer contagious. They have recovered fully following treatment with anti-viral medication."

Knapp asserted that GW is "working closely with the DC Department of Health and federal health officials to ensure we are following their protocols and taking all needed steps to protect the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff."

In response to concerns raised over the potential risk to those who were in contact with the two students who became infected the with the virus, Knapp said that "The GW Student Health Service and Dean of Students have worked quickly to give those students who developed the flu access to private rooms to protect other students. They were treated with anti-viral medications and asked to stay in and avoid contact with other students. Those in close living quarters with them also were informed of the initial flu diagnosis and given information about symptoms, prevention and treatment. Members of the University staff also are going directly to affected residence halls to speak with students where they live about the H1N1 virus and preventative steps they can take."

This message came after one that was sent out the day before informing the GW community of the diagnosis and outlining symptoms and prevention techniques for the virus.

Symptoms of the N1H1 influenza include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headaches, chills, fatigue, and occasional diarrhea and vomiting. 

More information about Swine Flu and its symptoms and prevention can be located at the GW SHS website.

-Alex Laska