COLUMBIA — MU health officials and emergency planners are monitoring the current health threat of swine influenza, according to MU Chancellor Brady Deaton in an e-mail sent to MU students.
The swine influenza outbreak, which originated in Mexico, has now been linked to more than 40 cases in the U.S. No deaths have been reported in the U.S., though over 100 deaths in Mexico were linked to the virus.
Deaton said MU officials have already begun planning for any necessary action in relation to the influenza scare.
"Contact with Columbia, Boone County and state public health officials and Centers for Disease Control and World Health Organization resources is ongoing," Deaton said.
According to the e-mail statement, Dr. Susan Evan, director of MU’s Student Health Center, said that no influenza-like illnesses had been reported within the student body or community in the last three weeks. She also noted that any new flu-like illnesses should be dealt with according to new health advisories.
"Persons with possible exposure who develop fever, body aches, cough, and sore throat should stay home from work or school and contact their health care provider for treatment recommendations and testing," Deaton said in the e-mail statement.
Information on swine influenza can be found at the CDC's swine flu page.
Check back with the Columbia Missourian, as well as the MU Alert page, for any new updates on the situation.