Hampshire College

Two probable cases of H1N1 (swine) flu have been identified at Amherst College. While the cases have not yet been confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the students involved are receiving appropriate treatment, doing well, and expected to recover fully.

Because of the probability that the illness is present on the Amherst College campus, that school is taking precautions, including asking anyone with symptoms to seek medical evaluation, recommending pre-emptive care for individuals with compromised immune systems, and canceling a number of social gatherings.

Ongoing surveillance has not identified any cases of H1N1 at Hampshire College or at UMass/ Amherst and, based on guidance from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the CDC, all activities on our campuses are continuing as scheduled. Assessment of the situation is ongoing; if the advice of public health experts changes or circumstances warrant, the decision will be revisited.

Simple prevention measures remain important for all members of the community:

-Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

-Cough or sneeze into a tissue or into your elbow instead of into your hands. Throw used tissues into the trash.

-Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, to reduce the spread of germs.

-If you’re sick, stay home from school or work, and limit contact with others.

Symptoms of H1N1 flu in people can include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite, and coughing. Some people have also reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

If you become ill, call your healthcare provider. The Hampshire College Health Center can be reached at 559-5458 and is open for students from 8:30-5; after hours, students should call the University Health Services at UMass at 577-5000.

This remains a rapidly evolving situation and we will continue to update the college community as new information becomes available.