As of 17 June 2009, the Loyola Schools have four confirmed cases of students with the Influenza A (H1N1) virus. Three of them have not attended any of their classes, following the guidelines, while one student, who neither travelled abroad or had exposure to a confirmed confirmed H1N1 case, attended class for a day before learning of the infection. All their known contacts have been immediately informed, directed to go on self-quarantine, and asked to observe possible development of symptoms.
We have informed the Department of Health (DOH) of the confirmed H1N1 cases. We have agreed that classes will not be suspended, considering that these cases have been relatively contained and that DOH is moving to a strategy of mitigation. We have been further instructed to focus our efforts on monitoring the number of students who have symptoms and to notify DOH on marked increases in students who are sick. We will continue to seek DOH advice on proper action.
We advise the community to continue to comply with the guidelines on proper hygiene and social distancing, and to report to the Office of Health Services (426-6001 loc 5110) any development of symptoms while in school.
Since some cases now indicate community transfer of the virus, please be advised of the following:
Any member of the Loyola Schools community who has visited/arrived from foreign travel SHOULD UNDERGO VOLUNTARY SELF-QUARANTINE AND MONITOR THEMSELVES FOR POSSIBLE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF THE DISEASE FOR THE NEXT SEVEN (7) DAYS AFTER ARRIVAL. Students who fail to observe self-quarantine or who give wrong travel information on AISIS or to any Loyola Schools personnel may be charged with offenses leading to a disciplinary case. Students are likewise held responsible for misrepresentation of relatives regarding the student's travel information.
Any member of the LS community who develops flu or flu-like symptoms (cough, sore throat, high fever, vomiting, body malaise) SHOULD IMMEDIATELY REPORT THE CASE TO THE OFFICE OF HEALTH SERVICES, STAY HOME, REST, TAKE PLENTY OF FLUIDS, AND OBSERVE PROPER COUGH ETIQUETTE and precautionary measures recommended by the WHO. In addition to developing these symptoms, those who had a history of travel, had contact with persons who travelled, or had contact with persons confirmed H1N1 virus should CALL A DOCTOR AND GET TESTED FOR THE VIRUS. Upon return to the Loyola Schools, please present a medical certificate to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs (for students) or to the Office of the Vice President for the Loyola Schools (for LS personnel).
Any member of the LS community who has been exposed to a confirmed H1N1 case SHOULD UNDERGO VOLUNTARY SELF-QUARANTINE AND MONITOR FOR POSSIBLE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF THE DISEASE FOR THE NEXT SEVEN (7) DAYS. Please report possible exposure to the Office of Health Services.
Please remember that the virus can be transmitted through "exposure to droplets from the cough and sneeze of the infected person". The responsibility of preventing virus transmission falls on the each of us. Let us practice social distancing, proper cough etiquette, proper hand sanitation, and limiting contact with various surfaces.
