Hampshire College

On Sunday, April 26, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano declared a "national health emergency" in response to reports of instances of influenza A h1n1, a respiratory illness similar to seasonal influenza.

UPDATE: On Wednesday, April 29, the World Health Organization raised its alert level for influenza A h1n1 to Level 5, and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health identified two influenza A h1n1 cases in Massachusetts. No immediate concerns have been raised within our campus community, and Hampshire is proceeding with business as usual. A committee of college officials representing all areas of planning and preparedness is meeting on a regular basis. We are carefully monitoring MDPH reports, and should the situation change again, we will evaluate what, if any, additional precautionary measures should be implemented and which, if any, activities should be curtailed. Should the situation change in any way, we will continue to keep you updated and informed.

The symptoms of influenza A h1n1 include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with influenza A h1n1. Like seasonal flu, influenza A h1n1 may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions. Influenza A h1n1 cannot be transmitted from eating pork or pork products.

Because the virus is fast-moving, however, the college urges students, faculty, and staff to practice the commonsense steps we should all take to prevent contracting or spreading any kind of influenza:     

• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.


• Practice good cough etiquette by coughing or sneezing into your elbow rather than your hand.


• Try to avoid close contact with sick people. If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to avoid infecting them.


• If you are ill with fever and other symptoms of influenza A h1n1 such as a cough and sore throat, call or visit Health Services (x5458; after 5 p.m. 577.5000) if you are a student or see a doctor, especially if you think you may have had contact with someone with swine flu or severe respiratory illness in the past seven days before becoming ill.

If you would like to read more about influenza A h1n1 and public health, the following websites will be helpful:

Centers for Disease Control
Massachusetts Department of Public Health
Travel to Mexico is not advised by CDC
Swine Flu and You (CDC)