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Last updated: Thursday, Feb. 9, 1:34 a.m.
News

H1N1 case confirmed on campus

By Dylan Riley
Posted on Oct. 26, 2009, at 1:59 p.m.

Update: Oct. 28: UMaine has rescheduled its swine flu clinics due to vaccine shortages. Read more here.

The University of Maine confirmed its first case of swine flu Friday, according to university spokesperson Joe Carr.

The student lives on campus and is in self-isolation while being treated by health care professionals. University officials declined to release identifying factors about the student, including residence hall, gender and age. The student was tested at the Cutler Health Center.

“We do have a case confirmed on campus. A student was managing the illness and is in close contact with health care providers,” said Vice President of Student Affairs Robert Dana.

Carr said the student did not have a roommate, and was having meals brought to him.

Carr said the university confirmed the case Friday around 6 p.m. The number of unconfirmed cases is at 27. Carr said the number has been rising by about two a week, but expects that number to increase.

“We want students to understand that this is something that is real. It can happen to them. Getting sick with this flu is very serious and we want all students to take appropriate hygienic measures,” Dana said.

UMaine will be holding vaccination clinics for H1N1 Nov. 9 and 10. The shot is available to students under the age of 24. Students must sign up online in advance.

This entry was posted on Monday, October 26th, 2009, 1:59 pm. You can follow any responses to this article through the RSS feed.

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  • Cassandra Worster

    I think UMaine would stand a better chance at avoiding further H1N1 cases if they followed EMCC’s lead on a few things. For starters, disinfecting wipes, tissues, and hand sanitizer in each classroom as well as dispensers mounted on the walls in common areas.

  • Katie Farrell

    I agree with Cassandra–if we were provided with supplies that disinfect we would be in a better situation. I’m confused as to why UMaine sends us these mass emails talking about the need for us to remain concerned about H1N1 and not take it lightly. They are the ones who pushed us to get vaccinated, and now that the vaccine is back ordered they’re saying “oh, no biggie, we have a case here and we just convinced you to be concerned, but forget about it, you’ll be fine.” We need to know more information about the bigger picture. I don’t think the student should be identified–but the buildings that the student has classes in, and absolutely the dorm, should be provided to students.