Dear Howard University Community:

A Howard University student has been classified as a probable case of H1N1 influenza after international travel in April. The student has recovered, but has been isolated while we await results from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The campus will remain open and all activities including final examinations and commencement exercises will proceed as scheduled.

While this illness is transmitted primarily by close personal contact, the University is taking proactive steps to sanitize the affected residence hall and common areas. The students living in close proximity have been informed of the preliminary diagnosis and have been given information about symptoms, prevention and treatment.

Members of the community with high fever, body ache, sore throat, nausea and diarrhea should seek medical attention.

The University encourages our students and employees to adopt the following measures:

• Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.
   
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. While alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective, they should not replace hand washing.
   
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

The University takes the safety of our students, faculty and staff very seriously and we will continue to keep the community informed via HU Alert, the University website, and HU Communications.

For more information on the H1N1 virus, please visit the following Web sites:

• http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/
• http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/key_facts.htm

Sidney A. Ribeau
President