Spring Break
University alerts students, faculty to prepare if swine flu outbreak were to hit
No cases reported in Portage County yet
Nick Walton
Issue date: 5/4/09 Section: News
In the wake of the swine flu virus, the university is taking precautionary measures in the event of an outbreak.
In an e-mail sent to Kent State faculty on Friday, Senior Associate Provost Timothy Chandler said the university is preparing for worst-case scenarios in the event of a widespread flu outbreak.
Chandler asked faculty to begin thinking about alternative and remote delivery of final projects and exams if the university is required to suspend classes and ask students to go home. Chandler reiterated the message was not meant to alarm faculty, but to explore the possibilities of a suspension.
In a separate e-mail sent to students, the university provided tips to prevent contracting the virus and stated there are no suspected cases of the virus at Kent State.
While no cases of swine flu have been confirmed in Portage County, the Ohio Department of Health has notified the county department of health of a probable case.
DuWayne Porter, Portage County Health Commissioner, said at press conference on Friday the case involves a Portage County resident who is recovering at home. Porter said the person was traveling in an area where the virus has originated and tested positive for Influenza A. Porter said the results from the test would be available on Sunday or Monday, but were not available at the time of publication.
After testing positive for Influenza A, a sample is sent to the Ohio Department of Health and, if the sample turns out positive, it is sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for conformation of swine flu.
According to the Ohio Department of Health Web site, the person is a 39-year-old female. As of yesterday, the Web site stated three confirmed cases of the virus in Ohio and three probable cases including the one in Portage County.
Contact health reporter Nick Walton at nwalton1@kent.edu.
In an e-mail sent to Kent State faculty on Friday, Senior Associate Provost Timothy Chandler said the university is preparing for worst-case scenarios in the event of a widespread flu outbreak.
Chandler asked faculty to begin thinking about alternative and remote delivery of final projects and exams if the university is required to suspend classes and ask students to go home. Chandler reiterated the message was not meant to alarm faculty, but to explore the possibilities of a suspension.
In a separate e-mail sent to students, the university provided tips to prevent contracting the virus and stated there are no suspected cases of the virus at Kent State.
While no cases of swine flu have been confirmed in Portage County, the Ohio Department of Health has notified the county department of health of a probable case.
DuWayne Porter, Portage County Health Commissioner, said at press conference on Friday the case involves a Portage County resident who is recovering at home. Porter said the person was traveling in an area where the virus has originated and tested positive for Influenza A. Porter said the results from the test would be available on Sunday or Monday, but were not available at the time of publication.
After testing positive for Influenza A, a sample is sent to the Ohio Department of Health and, if the sample turns out positive, it is sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for conformation of swine flu.
According to the Ohio Department of Health Web site, the person is a 39-year-old female. As of yesterday, the Web site stated three confirmed cases of the virus in Ohio and three probable cases including the one in Portage County.
Contact health reporter Nick Walton at nwalton1@kent.edu.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Robin Anderson
posted 5/04/09 @ 7:46 PM EST
So, um...why doesn't the University mandate that all new/rehabilitated buildings on Campus employ a traffic scheme similar to the recently remodeled ACME or GIANT EAGLE grocery stores; one where patrons may use the public restrooms without having to touch a sinlge door knob? Heck, Giant Eagle even provides a container of Clorox wipes at it's entrance near the grocery carts, that one may wipe off the cart handle, eh?
Now, exactly what Administrative policy has been put in place that would encourage/coerce University employees into using their grand entitlement known as 'sick leave'(15 days per year) at the first sign of 'being contagious'?
Robin Anderson
posted 5/04/09 @ 7:50 PM EST
Eh...Alvin???
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