Campus update: H1N1 flu virus

The spread of H1N1 flu continues to be the focus of attention across Canada and around the world. To date, nearly 29,000 cases of the virus have been reported worldwide.

Over the past few weeks, H1N1 cases have been reported across Southern Ontario and in the Hamilton and Burlington areas. As of June 12, 2009 there were 1,781 confirmed H1N1 cases in Ontario.

A McMaster employee has now reported being diagnosed with the H1N1 virus. In this case, the employee was on vacation at the time of diagnosis.

The University has taken the following steps in regards to this situation:

-Disinfected the employee's workspace and work area

-Notified individuals who may have had direct contact with the infected employee prior to the diagnosis

-Notified Hamilton Public Health

The employee has taken all appropriate precautions, is expected to fully recover and will remain away from work until doctors have advised a return to work is acceptable and poses no risk.

There is no indication from Public Health that any activities at the University need to be curtailed because of concerns about the H1N1 flu.

Since the initial North American cases of H1N1 were first reported, McMaster has undertaken the following actions to prepare for any eventual on-campus infections:

-Created an H1N1 Flu web site updated with information and instructions: http://www.mcmaster.ca/opr/h1n1_flu/

-Placed posters around campus reminding individuals of the importance of proper hand washing

-Issued reminders about covering coughs and sneezes

-Informed employees and others to stay at home if they have any flu-like symptoms and to immediately see a doctor

-Make antiseptic cleaners available to employees

Employees are encouraged to continue to practice these flu prevention measures year-round.

To better understand the University's approach to pandemic planning please refer to the Business Continuity Planning program in McMaster's Risk Management Manual at:
http://www.workingatmcmaster.ca/eohss/businesscontinuity/

McMaster will continue to take direction from Hamilton Public Health as to best practices and approaches to ensure the campus community is informed about this situation.