H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu) News And Resources
CWU Community,
The health and safety of our students, faculty, and staff is among our most important responsibilities, which is why I have put a team in place to examine and respond to a possible outbreak of H1N1, also known as the swine flu.
Our response to a possible outbreak on the Ellensburg Campus is being coordinated with Kittitas County health officials. Our staff will receive up-to-date information from local, state, and federal health officials, and they will take action that insures we provide a healthy environment.
Similar plans are in place at our six centers, but those efforts are being coordinated by the host community colleges and the surrounding county health officials. I am in communication with those community college presidents to insure that our centers are included in their communication and response plans.
Currently, there are no confirmed cases of influenza A or H1N1 flu on our Ellensburg campus. We are therefore not planning to cancel or change any classes or events. Should the situation change, the campus or center community will be informed through various university communication channels.
If you become ill with the flu, I recommend that you seek medical treatment. If you are diagnosed with a flu virus of any kind, it is best to stay home and avoid contact with others until you are well. Please see www.cwu.edu/~police/emergency/h1n1.html to learn more about the steps to take to avoid getting sick or spreading illness. Following these simple precautions will help keep our community healthy and productive.
James L. Gaudino
President
Central Washington University H1N1 (Swine) Flu Information
Central Washington University is continually monitoring news and information regarding the H1N1 (swine) influenza virus. The information below and the links provided are an important part of staying well during this flu season.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have confirmed cases of H1N1 in the United States. The CDC is working closely with the World Health Organization (WHO), state and local officials, and other health and animal officials on the ongoing investigations into these cases.
On June 11, 2009, the World Health Organization declared a global H1N1 flu pandemic. A Phase Six pandemic declaration is based on the sustained worldwide spread of H1N1, not the severity of the illness caused by the virus. Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano stated that the declaration was expected, and reaffirmed that their departments are fully prepared to keep the public as safe as possible.
Central Washington University's leadership is actively monitoring the situation and will post further information as it becomes available. Please continue to visit this page for additional updates and resources.
If you experience flu-like symptoms, please visit "Could It Be the H1N1 (Swine) Flu?" for more information. Students should contact the Central Washington University Health Center at 509-963-1881, staff and faculty should contact their family physician.