Due to a possible case of H1N1 flu (swine flu), the Harvard School of Dental Medicine and the Harvard Dental Center are closed, and will remain closed on Friday May 1. Harvard University information says the officals are working very closely with the appropriate state and local public health agencies in managing this situation.
Harvard University has released the following update on Swine Flu:
Update on H1N1 influenza
The Harvard School of Dental Medicine and its Longwood Area clinic closed late Thursday (April 30) after health officials identified a suspected case of H1N1 influenza - "swine flu" - in a dental student. Officials are still awaiting final test results.
Boston Public Health Commission officials have been screening Harvard dental students as well as faculty and staff to identify any potential additional cases. Harvard health officials are working closely with city and state health agencies in this effort.
As a precautionary measure, classes are also cancelled for today (Friday, May 1) at Harvard Medical School and Harvard School of Public Health.
Food services at Harvard Medical School and the Harvard School of Public Health have eliminated all self-service food stations in order to minimize the number of potential contact surfaces for virus transmission. Additionally, hand sanitizers are being provided to assist with hygiene.
Harvard officials are closely monitoring the situation. The emergency management team has previously developed plans and procedures to address any potential disease outbreak in the University community.
We are urging anyone in the Harvard community suffering from flu-like symptoms to immediately contact Harvard University Health Services (HUHS) or his or her own physician. This is especially true for any individual who recently spent time in any of the countries or states where early cases of this new strain of flu have already been concentrated - or who have been in contact with such a person. If you receive care from Harvard University Health Services in the Longwood area, call 617-432-1370 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The after-hours urgent-care number is 617-495-5711.
Internationally, this new strain of influenza has now been isolated in 11 countries - from Mexico and New Zealand to the United States. Domestically, the CDC has now confirmed 110 cases in 11 states. The federal government has declared a national health emergency, a move intended to increase the flow of funding and increase the ability to distribute antiviral medications to state health programs should it become necessary. And the World Health Organization raised its pandemic alert to 5, its second-highest level, indicating that health officials believe a pandemic may be imminent.
Symptoms of this influenza include body aches, fever, severe malaise, chills, and in some cases, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. HUHS has adopted established guidelines for diagnosing and treating this new strain of flu.
There are no formal University-related travel restrictions in place at this time, but the CDC has recommended that people suspend all but essential travel to Mexico.
To avoid contracting illness, HUHS advises all members of the Harvard community to:
* Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands often with soap and water. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
* Cover your nose and mouth when you cough. Use and dispose of tissues or cough/sneeze into the crook in your elbow.
* Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
* Avoid close contact with sick people.
HUHS has posted answers to frequently asked questions about swine flu.
For additional information about this quickly evolving situation, please consult the CDC at www.cdc.gov and the World Health Organization at www.who.int/. We will update the HUHS Web site as new information becomes available.
Sincerely,
Steven E. Hyman, M.D., Provost
David Rosenthal, M.D., Director of Harvard University Health Services
Comment and add to the story without registration, but keep the comments meaningful please. Links are not accepted.
