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Swine flu closes Western

Classes at Western Oregon University expected to resume again on Tuesday; students encouraged to stay at home

Makenna Bishop

Issue date: 5/4/09 Section: News
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Makeshift posters at Butler Hall inform Western Oregon University students of class cancellations and disease prevention tips. A case of H1N1 Influenza virus was recently confirmed at WOU.
Media Credit: Cory Reed
Makeshift posters at Butler Hall inform Western Oregon University students of class cancellations and disease prevention tips. A case of H1N1 Influenza virus was recently confirmed at WOU.
Western Oregon University announced last Thursday that the campus would be closed for four days and would likely open again on Tuesday due to a now-confirmed case of swine flu among its students.

Early Sunday afternoon, the Oregon Department of Human Services updated its website, confirming the first three cases of swine flu in Oregon. One of the two pending cases in Polk County, where WOU is located, had been confirmed.

In Thursday's e-mail to all WOU students, it was explained that a student might be infected with swine flu. The student was exhibiting flu-like symptoms earlier last week and tested positive for influenza A. A specimen from the student was immediately sent to the State of Oregon Health Department Lab to be tested for swine flu.

On Sunday, students were notified again that the Centers for Disease Control had confirmed the WOU N1H1 (swine flu) case.

The student's name has not yet been released, and the student is in the care of family and is receiving medical treatment elsewhere.

George Pernsteiner, chancellor of the Oregon University System, said in a WOU press release that it was very important to close the campus until there is confirmation that the WOU student has the H1N1 virus.

Pernsteiner added that though the cancellations impact many people, he could not risk exposing the campus and community to the virus.

This afternoon, WOU officials will consult with the Polk County Health Department and the Oregon Department of Public Health to determine appropriate actions for the rest of the week.

Students living on and off campus have been encouraged to stay at home within their living community. Faculty and staff have also been asked to remain home unless contacted by their supervisors.

Sarah Daigle, a sophomore in biology at WOU, said the RAs have been asked to do their best to keep students in the residence halls. She said they have been on duty to speak with students who wish to leave.
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