H1N1 (swine) Flu Update:
(05/06/09) -- On April 29, 2009, the World Health Organization raised the H1N1 pandemic flu alert to level 5.  On May 5, 2009, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano reported that the H1N1 swine flu appears to be no worse than regular flu strains. "What the epidemiologists are seeing now with this particular strain of U.N. is that the severity of the disease, the severity of the flu -- how sick you get -- is not stronger than regular seasonal flu," Napolitano said Monday as the worldwide number of confirmed cases of swine flu -- technically known as 2009 H1N1 virus -- topped 1,080.

Wesleyan College has been closely monitoring the international swine flu outbreak through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Bibb County Health Department, and the Department of Health and Human Services. Although there have been no confirmed cases of the H1N1 or swine flu in Bibb County and no reported cases among members of the Wesleyan College community, we continue to be vigilant and proactive. No confirmed cases in Georgia have been reported, although one KY resident is hospitalized in Lagrange, GA.

Symptoms of swine flu are similar to symptoms of seasonal flu: cough, runny/stuffy nose, fever, muscle aches, headaches and fatigue. People affected also report nausea and diarrhea along with respiratory symptoms. Anyone with these symptoms is advised to see a health care provider and notify a College administrator. The CDC recommends tamiflu and relenza (antivirals) for the treatment and prevention of the swine flu influenza.

There are everyday actions people can take to stay healthy, including:
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious meals.

The possibility of an influenza pandemic at Wesleyan College, although remote at this time, is something that the College has planned for as part of our continuing efforts to ensure the health and safety of the campus community. Health officials have urged vigilance and preparedness – not panic – in response to the swine flu outbreak. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and will provide information as it becomes available. 

Students, faculty, and staff are urged to sign up for the WesleyanALERT system: https://wesportal.wesleyancollege.edu/ics/
Login through the Wesleyan portal to sign up for this service. Once you create an account, this service provides alert text messages to your cell phone in the event of a campus emergency. 

Reliable H1N1 resource links:
www.os.dhhs.gov
www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/

http://www.pandemicflu.gov/whereyoulive/index.html

The purpose of Wesleyan's Emergency Procedures web page is to provide timely, accurate information to the public during an emergency or disaster. Weather related emergencies are the most common occurring situations affecting our campus.  In the event of an emergency, class cancellations and other important announcements will be posted here.

Local media outlets will be informed of the College’s plans and will announce closings or schedule adjustments. For updates on H1N1, weather conditions in our area, class cancellations, school closing, and other important messages for this week, please check this Emergency Procedures web page. 

Current information regarding class cancellation will also be available at these media outlets:

www.macon.com
13WMAZ TV
GPB WMUM 89.7 FM Radio


To report an emergency, property damage, or power outage:

Wesleyan College Emergency Contacts
Campus Security
Wesleyan Police Radio (478) 757-5145
Wesleyan Police Office (478) 757-5138

Other important links: