Early this morning, CSULB President F. King Alexander e-mailed the student body with the news that a student living in one of the campus residence halls had received a “probable positive” test result for a mild case of swine flu, although a final conclusive result will not be available for two more days.  The student is recuperating, and had not attended any classes since feeling ill on Sunday.  The student’s classmates and faculty have been advised.

The Long Beach Health Department was reached and confirmed that the letter is factual.  CSULB officials will meet with the Department this morning.

The lbpost.com would like to stress that President Alexander referred to the case as “probable,” and characterized the student’s illness as “mild.”  He goes on to explain precautions taken by the university, and offers assistance and a hotline to anyone who feels ill. 

The letter can be found in full below:

Campus Community,

Late Tuesday evening we were informed by the Long Beach Health Department that a CSULB student received a “probable positive” test result for swine flu. Final determination of the test results will not be available for another two days.

The student, who is a resident of the Los Alamitos Residence Hall, first felt ill on Sunday, and went to Student Health Services to see a doctor on Monday. Because the symptoms matched those related to swine flu, precautionary arrangements were immediately made for the student’s roommate to stay elsewhere. In addition to residents of Los Alamitos Hall, the student’s classmates and faculty are being notified. The affected individual is currently isolated while recuperating from an apparently mild case of this disease. It is also important to note that the student has not attended classes this week.

It is extremely important for all of us to be careful of health concerns at this time. This means that if you are feeling flu-like symptoms, you should not come to class or to work. The symptoms that the Centers for Disease Control have connected with swine flu are fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue, with some people also experiencing diarrhea and vomiting. Please see your personal physician, or if you are a student visit the Student Health Center if you are experiencing these symptoms. We are also responsible for practicing good health habits: wash your hands carefully and frequently, remain physically active, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious foods. Avoid close contact with those who are sick.

CSULB is committed to keeping you informed at this time. A hotline, 562-985-1460, will be available for answering questions specific to swine flu later today; and information posted directly from the Centers for Disease Control, the World Health Organization and the California Department of Public Health are available on the university’s Web site home page under “Medical Advisory.” Campus updates will also be available on the Web site.

At this time, U.S. cases of swine flu have been mild, and available antivirals have been effective in combating the disease. We are continuing to monitor the situation and are working closely with the Long Beach Department of Health to benefit the health and welfare of our community.

Thank you for your continued concern and cooperation.

F. King Alexander
President

By Ryan ZumMallen, Managing Editor