Late Tuesday evening we were informed by the Long Beach Health Department that a CSULB student received a "probable positive" test result for swine flu.
Final determination of the test results will not be available for another two days.
The student, who is a resident of the Los Alamitos Residence Hall, first felt ill on Sunday, and went to Student Health Services to see a doctor on Monday. Because the symptoms matched those related to swine flu, precautionary arrangements were immediately made for the student’s roommate to stay elsewhere. In addition to residents of Los Alamitos Hall, the student’s classmates and faculty are being notified. The affected individual is currently isolated while recuperating from an apparently mild case of this disease. It is also important to note that the student has not attended classes this week.
It is extremely important for all of us to be careful of health concerns at this time. This means that if you are feeling flu-like symptoms, you should not come to class or to work. The symptoms that the Centers for Disease Control have connected with swine flu are fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue, with some people also experiencing diarrhea and vomiting. Please see your personal physician, or if you are a student visit the Student Health Center if you are experiencing these symptoms. We are also responsible for practicing good health habits: wash your hands carefully and frequently, remain physically active, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious foods. Avoid close contact with those who are sick.
CSULB is committed to keeping you informed at this time. A hotline, 562-985-1460, will be available for answering questions specific to swine flu later today; and information posted directly from the Centers for Disease Control, the World Health Organization and the California Department of Public Health are available on the university's Web site home page under "Medical Advisory." Campus updates will also be available on the Web site.
At this time, U.S. cases of swine flu have been mild, and available antivirals have been effective in combating the disease. We are continuing to monitor the situation and are working closely with the Long Beach Department of Health to benefit the health and welfare of our community.
Thank you for your continued concern and cooperation.
April 27, 2009
The World Health Organization, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control have advised caution related to a newly identified strain of swine flu. Individual cases have been reported in the United States, including California, as well as in other parts of the world, particularly Mexico.
At California State University, Long Beach, we wish to advise all members of our community to practice ongoing good health habits. If you experience any of the symptoms of swine flu, which closely resemble the symptoms of seasonal flu viruses, please do not come to class or work; seek medical attention from your personal physician or Student Health Services if you are a student; and do not return to class or work until you are well.
Symptoms
Symptoms related to swine flu include fever, chills, headache, sore throat and runny nose; some individuals also experience vomiting and/or diarrhea.
Habits
The Long Beach Health Department has advised the following habits to prevent catching or spreading the flu:
- Wash hands with soap and water or a hand sanitizer frequently.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home from work or school if you are sick.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze; or cough or sneeze into your sleeve.
- Eat healthy food, drink plenty of water, exercise, get plenty of rest, do not smoke and avoid alcoholic beverages.
