4 Probable Swine Flu Cases at University of Delaware

Four University of Delaware students have been identified with cases of influenza that meet probable definitions for swine flu, Dr. Paul Silverman, Associate Deputy Director for Health Information & Science of the Division of Public Health announced Tuesday evening. The State Division of Public Health is submitting samples from these four cases to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to determine if they are cases of swine flu.

The students were treated at the University’s Student Health Services on Monday, April 27, and they are experiencing mild flu-like symptoms. The Division of Public Health received the preliminary test results confirming the probable cases Tuesday afternoon, conducted interviews with the students and classified the cases as probable swine flu. Confirmation will have to come from the CDC.

The University of Delaware is notified its campus community about the cases Tuesday evening. On Wednesday morning, the UD and the Division of Public Health will conduct clinics to assess and treat additional symptomatic students. The location of the clinic on the UD campus will be announced to students on Wednesday morning.

UD students who are experiencing flu-like symptoms are advised to go to the Student Health Center or the temporary clinic. UD employees with medical questions or who are experiencing flu-like symptoms should contact their personal physicians.

Based on the advice of the Division of Public Health, UD is continuing normal operations, including classes, however some large campus activities may be rescheduled.

Gov. Jack Markell will hold a news conference Wednesday at 11 a.m. in his office in the Carvel State Office Building in Wilmington to provide full details on the status and the state’s response to these cases.

According to the CDC, symptoms for swine flu are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu in humans and may include some combination of:

• Fever, greater than 100 degrees F
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Stuffy nose
• Chills
• Headache
• Body aches and/or fatigue

Delaware residents who are experiencing any of these symptoms should seek care from their personal physicians.

To prevent the spread of swine flu, the CDC suggests:

• Avoid contact with ill persons.
•When you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve (if you do not have a tissue). Throw used tissues in a trash can.
•After you cough or sneeze, wash your hands with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand gel.
• If you think you are ill with flu, avoid close contact with others as much as possible. Stay at home. Seek medical care if you are severely ill, such as having trouble breathing.

Additional information about swine flu is available at the CDC Web site:

For more information on swine flu, go to dhss.delaware.gov.