A University of Richmond nurse told residence life staff Friday that two students had tested positive for the H1N1 strain of influenza A, according to two students at the mandatory meeting.
Susan Cummings, a registered nurse for the university, told the staff that the test results of two cultures sent to the Virginia Department of Health had come back positive for H1N1, also known as swine flu.
"She [Cummings] said that there are two confirmed cases - one person in LoRo [Lora Robins Court] and one in North Court," said Ashlee Murphy, a resident assistant in Lakeview Hall. A second student confirmed Murphy's account, but declined to be named.
Richmond officials have confirmed that 42 students have been diagnosed with influenza-like illness (ILI), which they believe is most likely H1N1.
Brian Eckert, director of media and public relations, said that health department officials were not routinely testing for swine flu right now. The health department is only testing people considered "high risk," including pregnant women, people with immune deficiency disorders and people under 25 years old.
But officials said they thought all flu-like illnesses were swine flu.
The students have either recovered or are recuperating without any serious complications and none have had to go to the hospital, Eckert said.
At about 3 p.m. on Sept. 4, university communications sent an e-mail to all faculty, staff and students, saying campus health officials expected more cases would occur throughout the coming weeks, just as seasonal flu does during the winter.
The Student Health Center, health department and Centers for Disease Control strongly recommend practicing flu prevention measures, including frequent hand-washing, use of hand sanitizer and covering of coughs and sneezes.
Michelle Peregoy, public relations coordinator for the health department, also recommended voluntary isolation for those with flu-like symptoms, which involves staying away from crowds, social events and sporting events.
The health center will be open Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to see students who might be succumbing to illness. The health center will be open on Monday during regular office hours.
Dining Services will continue to offer carryout meals for ill students who request them.
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Contact staff writer Nick Mider at nick.mider@richmond.edu and Avril Lighty at avril.lighty@richmond.edu
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