Academy Statement on H1N1 Virus Precautions
July 21, 2009
Dear Merchant Marine Academy Parents:
There have been a number of reported cases of H1N1 influenza at the Air Force and Coast Guard Academies. There have also been a number of rumors regarding the H1N1 (swine flu) here at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Without stepping outside privacy restrictions, I
would like to pass as much information as possible.
Over the past several days, we have had an increase in influenza like
illnesses (IFI) amongst our midshipmen, both plebe candidates and Indoc staff. Closely following Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Nassau County Health Department protocols, the USMMA Department of Health Services has positively identified 2 cases of Type A influenza as of today.
Another 17 midshipmen have presented with influenza-like symptoms as of this today.
While these cases have not yet been identified as H1N1 type virus, Academy and health officials are treating the cases as if they were the H1N1 virus.
All affected plebe candidates and midshipmen have been isolated from the rest of the student population to prevent transmission of the virus.
Treatment has been coordinated with doctors from the North Shore-LIJ
Health System, the Academy’s health service provider. One midshipman was briefly hospitalized and subsequently sent home to recuperate. All midshipmen are responding very well to treatment.
I want to assure you that the Academy is doing everything possible to
minimize the impact on the Regiment, and address every midshipman’s medical concerns. We are following the recommendations established by the CDC and the Nassau County Health Department. These include isolation and seclusion of affected midshipmen, appropriate medical treatment, and prophylactic measures for EMT personnel, health professionals, and other
midshipmen and staff for which such measures are indicated.
It is important to note that this outbreak of flu is not limited to the Merchant Marine Academy. As of July 17, 2009, the CDC has identified over 40,000 probable positive cases across the United States. I urge you to visit the CDC websitefor the latest information on this global pandemic.
Our primary concern is for the well-being of our plebe candidates and our midshipmen. We are focused on their recovery, and working to mitigate against the further spread of the illness. We have emphasized that normal flu preventive measures such as hand washing and cough etiquette should be followed. We are increasing the availability of hand sanitizer through the campus, in order to safeguard midshipmen, faculty and staff. We will disinfect the rooms occupied by affected midshipmen, and take other such measures to clean and sanitize rooms and public spaces.
Our hope is to limit the further spread of this outbreak prior to July 25th when the remainder of the Regiment returns from summer leave and classes resume.
In closing, please be assured that your child’s health and well being is our top priority. Whether addressing their H1N1 concerns, or simply addressing the challenges of Indoc, our midshipmen officers, trainers, and the entire Academy staff are working together to support our plebes and midshipmen.
I will keep you informed through our website and through further updates as circumstances warrant.
Respectfully,
Captain Bill Fell
Commandant
