Ohio State student diagnosed with a suspect case of H1N1 flu

An Ohio State University student was diagnosed with a suspect case of H1N1 influenza A virus, which is pending confirmation at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The student was exposed to the virus outside the university through close contact with family members that were believed to have the H1N1 virus.

The student is a male, freshman and a resident of Stradley Hall. The university is following recommended precautions to prevent the spread of the illness to others. The student has been moved to another location for isolation and is being treated and monitored.

The university is communicating with the 450 residents of Stradley Hall. In addition, individuals who had close contact with the student over the last two days are being notified. The student health center is offering prophylactic/preventive medication to those individuals.

The Wilce Student Health Center, 1875 Millikin Rd., will hold clinic hours for students tomorrow from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Students also can call the clinic's advice nurse line at 614-292- 4321.

The university continues to urge all students, faculty and staff to follow infection control steps including frequent hand washing and covering your mouth and nose if you have a cough or sneeze. Frequent use of waterless hand sanitizers is also recommended.

Ohio State is working in collaboration with the CDC, Ohio Department of Health, and Columbus Public Health and following all appropriate guidelines.

The university continues all regular operations.

For more information on H1N1 influenza, go to http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu.

Ohio State students, faculty and staff will be updated regularly through the emergency web site http://www.emergency.osu.edu.

Shelly Hoffman, 614-247-4748
Jim Lynch, 614-247-4110