Thursday, June 18, 2009

Updates on Cases of Influenza A (H1N1) Virus in the Loyola Schools

17 June 2009


MEMO TO: The Loyola Schools Community

FROM: Ma. Assunta C. Cuyegkeng
Vice President

SUBJECT: Updates on Cases of Influenza A (H1N1) virus in the Loyola Schools
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As of 17 June 2009, the Loyola Schools have four confirmed cases of students
with the Influenza A (H1N1) virus. Three of them have not attended any of
their classes, following the guidelines, while one student, who neither
travelled abroad or had exposure to a confirmed confirmed H1N1 case, attended
class for a day before learning of the infection. All their known contacts
have been immediately informed, directed to go on self-quarantine, and
asked to observe possible development of symptoms.

We have informed the Department of Health (DOH) of the confirmed H1N1 cases.
We have agreed that classes will not be suspended, considering that these cases have been relatively contained and that DOH is moving to a strategy of mitigation. We have been further further instructed to focus our efforts on monitoring the number of students who have symptoms and to notify DOH on marked
increases in students who are sick. We will continue to seek DOH advice on
proper action.

We advise the community to continue to comply with the guidelines on proper
hygiene and social distancing, and to report to the Office of Health Services
(426-6001 loc 5110) any development of symptoms while in school.

Since some cases now indicate community transfer of the virus, please be
advised of the following:

1. Any member of the Loyola Schools community who has visited/arrived from
foreign travel SHOULD UNDERGO VOLUNTARY SELF-QUARANTINE AND MONITOR
THEMSELVES FOOR POSSIBLE SIGNS AND SYMPTIOMS OF THE DISEASE FOR THE
NEXT SEVEN (7) DAYS AFTER ARRIVAL. Students who fail to observe self-
quarantine or who give wrong travel information on AISIS or to any
Loyola Schools personnel may be charged with offenses leading to a
disciplinary case. Students are likewise held responsible for
misrepresentation of relatives regarding the student's travel
information.
2. Any member of the LS community who develops flu or flu-like symptoms
(cough, sore throat, high fever, vomiting, body malaise) SHOULD
IMMEDIATELY REPORT THE CASE TO THE OFFICE OF HEALTH SERVICES, STAY
HOME, REST, TAKE PLENTY OF FLUIDS, AND OBSERVE PROPER COUGH ETIQUETTE
and precautionary measures recommended by the WHO. In addition to
developing these symptoms, those who had a history of travel, had
contact with persons who travelled, or had contact with persons
confirmed H1N1 virus should CALL A DOCTOR AND GET TESTED FOR THE
VIRUS. Upon return to the Loyola Schools, please present a medical
certificate to the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs (for students)
or to the Office of the Vice President for the Loyola Schools (for LS
personnel).
3. Any member of the LS community who has been exposed to a confirmed H1Ni
case SHOULD UNDERGO VOLUNTARY SELF-QUARANTINE AND MONITOR FOR POSSIBLE
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF THE DISEASE FOR THE NEXT SEVEN (7) DAYS. Please
report possible exposure to the Office of Health Services.

Please remember that the virus can be transmitted through "exposure to droplets
from the cough and sneeze of the infected person". The responsibility of preventing virus transmission falls on the each of us. Let us practice social
distancing, proper cough etiquette, proper hand sanitation, and limiting
contact with various surfaces.

Thank you very much for your cooperation.

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