We regret to inform you that one of our students, Michael Gehrett, passed away sometime between 3:30 and 4:30 this morning, from a self-inflicted wound that occurred off campus. Michael was a junior criminal justice major from Atwater, Ohio.

The MVNU community will come together Friday, Sept. 17, at 10:20 a.m. in the Chapel for a time of prayer and reflection. Please pray for the family, friends, and MVNU campus during this difficult time.

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We have received 200 doses of H1N1 vaccine. One hundred doses are nasal mist and 100 doses are for injections. This supply is available to students, faculty and staff.

It is not too late to receive the vaccine. At this time, we will be giving the vaccine as it is requested in the Student Health Services office. A large clinic is not scheduled at this time.

Interested individuals should contact our office to schedule a time to receive the vaccine.

We will continue to update our website regarding the H1N1 virus. If you have any questions, please contact Student Health Services.

Denise Smith, R.N.
Coordinator of Student Health Services
Student Health Services (740-397-9000; ext. 4632)
Counseling Services (740-397-9000; ext. 4610)

MVNU Student Health Services will receive 100 doses of 2009 H1N1 vaccine to be given to our high-risk students, ages 17-24. The list below includes medical conditions that put a student at higher risk for complications from influenza.

• Asthma
• Neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions [including disorders of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerve, and muscle such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy (seizure disorders), stroke, intellectual disability (mental retardation), moderate to severe developmental delay, muscular dystrophy, or spinal cord injury]
• Chronic lung disease (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD] and cystic fibrosis)
• Heart disease (such as congenital heart disease, congestive heart failure, and coronary artery disease)
• Blood disorders (such as sickle cell disease)
• Endocrine disorders (such as diabetes mellitus)
• Kidney disorders
• Liver disorders
• Metabolic disorders (such as inherited metabolic disorders and mitochondrial disorders)
• Weakened immune system due to disease or medication (such as people with HIV or AIDS, or cancer, or those on chronic steroids)

High-risk students are asked to contact Student Health Services at 740-397-9000, ext.4632 or denise.smith@mvnu.edu to schedule an appointment to receive the 2009 H1N1 vaccine. The vaccine will be given until the 100 doses are gone. We will let any other students know once more dosages are available.

We will continue to update our website regarding the H1N1 virus. Please find that information at the following link: http://www.mvnu.edu/crisis/swineflu.asp. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call Student Health Services.

Take care,

Denise Smith, BSN, RN
Coordinator of Student Health Services
denise.smith@mvnu.edu
740-397-9000, ext. 4632

The spread of the flu virus has become a reality on Mount Vernon Nazarene University’s campus. The state of Ohio has confirmed that it is one of the top states hit so far. The symptoms of the H1N1 flu virus are similar to symptoms of the seasonal influenza (flu) and include sudden onset of high fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and/or fatigue. Other symptoms may include diarrhea and vomiting.

MVNU’s Senior Leadership Team has been working diligently and meeting weekly to get updates and work on a game plan to deal with potential outbreak of this contagious flu virus. As most of you heard, the doctors and hospitals are no longer testing for the H1N1 virus. They are testing for Influenza “A” and treating it as H1N1 if the test comes back positive.

MVNU has had a number of students with flu-like symptoms since returning from break. Students who develop sudden fever or flu-like symptoms should stay in their room and call the Student Health Services office (after hours call RHA’s). Please be sure to report all illnesses to assist with the awareness of this virus at MVNU. This will help prevent transmission of the virus. You can do your part by knowing the facts and taking preventive measures. Our Communications Department has been sending out updates and has updated our Web site with preventive measures. I encourage you to read the site to find pertinent information that may help you.

If you have any questions in regard to the flu, please contact Student Health Services (ext. 4632) or Student Development (ext. 4602). In the meantime, we will continue to send out any updates, reminders, and health tips.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Stay healthy and call us if you begin to develop these symptoms.

Denise Smith, R.N.
Coordinator of Student Health Services
Mount Vernon Nazarene University
Student Health Services (740-397-9000; ext. 4632)
Counseling Services (740-397-9000; ext. 4610)

As we approach mid-term break, MVNU maintains ongoing efforts and activities in regard to prevention of the H1N1 flu virus. We want to keep you informed so you can continue to make educated decisions about your health.

• MVNU is very grateful that, to date, we have experienced only one “probable” case of H1N1. We encourage you to keep up healthy habits by washing your hands frequently, using hand sanitizer, practicing social distancing and self-isolation if you are experiencing symptoms.

• Thank you to Pioneer College Caterers for purchasing hands-free sanitizer stations. These are available on either side of the cafeteria entrance, and we encourage you to use them. This is a wonderful investment Pioneer is making at each of the colleges it serves.

• Facilities Services is working with Student Development to have hand sanitizers wall mounted at some of MVNU’s high traffic areas. Additionally, they are working extra hard to thoroughly sanitize all areas throughout the fall and winter months.

• MVNU and Kenyon College officials have met and are collaborating in efforts to maintain awareness, educate students, and learn from one another as we navigate this process together.

• The seasonal flu vaccine is available currently at the Knox County Health Department and at local pharmacies. Preparations are taking place in anticipation of the arrival of the H1N1 flu vaccines later this fall.

• Student Development staff continues to receive daily updates from the Centers for Disease Control and our local Knox County Health Department about the status of the H1N1 virus and future steps MVNU should take if necessary.

• RAs and RDs continue to meet with students and remind them of prevention methods and healthy living practices.

Key FAQs are answered here: Columbus Dispatch article: “What you need to know about H1N1” (Sunday, Oct. 4)

The following are free resources from Student Health 101 Magazine:
Facts about H1N1
Preventing the spread of H1N1
View Student Health 101 Magazine

If you ever have questions about symptoms, how you are feeling, or steps to take when ill, please CALL or E-MAIL Denise Smith in Student Health Services (ext. 4632) before visiting the SHS office. After hours, contact your Resident Director.

You can expect to receive the “Emergency U” newsletter by e-mail in early November! In the meantime, you can find all H1N1 campus updates on the Safety Information section of MVNU’s web site: www.mvnu.edu/crisis.

Mount Vernon Nazarene University
Precautionary Measures for H1N1

H1N1 UPDATE
With the start of colleges and universities across the state and nation, cases of the H1N1 flu virus are on the rise. We have seen numerous articles on a daily basis about these cases. Nearby Kenyon College has already had one confirmed case. In response to this worldwide health threat, MVNU will be recommending a number of precautionary measures.

Washington D.C. reports that as much as 50 percent of the American population could be affected, worst case scenario. MVNU continues vigilant monitoring the flu situation across the state and in Knox County.

Flyers are being posted throughout campus that will provide precautionary measures as well as signs and symptoms for both H1N1 and ILI (Influenza-like Illness).

View CBS News video.

SYMPTOMS
If you are experiencing any flu-like symptoms (cough, runny nose, headache, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting and/or fever), please take precautionary measures. If you have a temperature of 100.0 degrees or greater and a cough or sore throat (note: other symptoms may also be present), please see Student Health Services and/or your family doctor as soon as possible. Also communicate with your RA or RHA (resident health advisor).

Please consider staying at home or in your residential facility, not attending class, not attending chapel or social activities if you are experiencing these symptoms. If you decide not to attend class/chapel, it is important for you to communicate with your professors/chaplain’s office.

PREVENTION
• Practice social distancing and self-isolation
• Keep at least 6 feet from other people.
• Cover your coughs, sneeze into your elbow/sleeve.
• Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently.
• Avoid touching your face as much as possible.
• Avoid touching other people.

Regular flu vaccinations should be available at our local health department sometime in October or November. Note: this will not prevent the H1N1 virus. In communication with the health department, it has been determined that all students in Knox County will be top priority in receiving the H1N1 vaccine. The Health Department will administer these vaccines on campus once they are made available.

MVNU Facilities Services is working extra hard to thoroughly disinfect all surfaces commonly touched (doors, door handles, faucets, etc.). The campus community can do their part by assisting in disinfecting their living and working areas.

CLASSES
If you are experiencing symptoms, please do not attend class. Work with your professor(s) to make arrangements for assignments as much as possible. The University Senior Leadership Team and the School Deans are discussing when becomes necessary to cancel classes. More will be communicated on that as necessary.

HOUSING
Students experiencing symptoms or who have been confirmed as having the H1N1 virus may be quarantined in separate housing (Cedar 102, Cedar 110, Maplewood 107) or may be asked to go home until the contagious period is past. MVNU staff will work to arrange flu care kits and meals for these students.

MEALS
ALWAYS wash your hands thoroughly before eating. MVNU has also placed antibiotic hand sanitizer at the Dining Commons check-in station as you enter the cafeteria. PLEASE use this in an effort to minimize the spread of all types of flu.

RESOURCES
Student Health Services
Denise Smith, Coordinator, 740 397-9000, ext. 4632

Crisis Response
Dennis Martin, Coordinator, 740 397-9000, ext. 4437

Student Development
Lanette Sessink, Vice President for Student Development, 740-397-9000, ext. 4602

MVNU’s Emergency Information Online
http://www.mvnu.edu/crisis
http://mvnucrisis.wordpress.com

U.S. Center for Disease Control
http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/

Ohio Department of Health Information
http://www.odh.ohio.gov/landing/phs_emergency/swineflu.aspx

Knox County Health Department
http://www.knoxhealth.com/influenza_home_pg.html

Dear campus community,

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed that a Mount Vernon Nazarene University staff member has tested positive for influenza A(H1N1) virus. This individual is recovering under physician care and will remain in quarantine per recommendations made by Knox County Health Department.

Over the next seven days, if you become aware of symptoms such as fever, cough, headaches, muscle aches, vomiting, and/or diarrhea, please stay home and consult your physician.

Mount Vernon Nazarene University is working in collaboration with the CDC, Ohio Department of Health, and Knox County Health Department and following all appropriate guidelines. Facilities Services has been made aware of the situation and its staff is taking extra precautions in sanitizing facilities. They are utilizing a cleaning solution that is known by the CDC to kill the virus.

All campus functions and business operations will continue as scheduled. The University urges students, faculty, and staff remaining on campus during the summer to follow infection control steps. These preventive measures include:

* Frequent hand washing
* Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue if you have a cough or sneeze

Frequent use of waterless hand sanitizers is also recommended.

For more information on the influenza A (H1N1) virus, go to www.cdc.gov/swineflu.
View additional resources at www.mvnu.edu/crisis.

Thank you for your attention in this important matter. We will keep you posted by e-mail and online if any changes occur.

Dr. Dan Martin
President

As many are aware, there have been cases of influenza A(H1N1)  virus, popularly known as swine flu,  detected throughout the United States. On April 26, the federal government declared a public health emergency after several cases of swine flu were confirmed in the United States. It is expected that more cases will be confirmed in the coming days. There has been one confirmed case in northern Ohio so far.

MVNU, along with public agencies across the country, has been preparing for the potential of a pandemic for a number of years. Although the swine flu has not been declared a pandemic, there are plans and procedures in place to ensure an effective response.

With that backdrop, we wanted to report to you today on the steps being taken at MVNU that we believe will help safeguard the health of all members of the University community.

• No cases of swine flu have been reported at MVNU. No changes to University operations or activities are currently planned as a result of swine flu.
• It is important to note that University leaders, health services and emergency management personnel have met to plan the University’s response now and in the future if circumstances change. MVNU will follow the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other appropriate agencies in the University’s response to this issue.
• The University is raising awareness to students, faculty, and staff through e-mail messages. Conversations are occurring in dorm/apartment meetings, and e-mail messages are going out to commuter students.
• The University will continue to monitor the situation on a daily basis and will keep the MVNU community informed. Any students, faculty, or staff planning foreign travel in the near future are advised to consult the International SOS web page on the issue.
• Facilities Services is making sure that extra cleaning is taking place on campus around high contact items such as door handles, computers, desks, bathrooms, offices, etc. Proper cleaning supplies are being used that will kill the bacteria.
• Human Resources sent out an e-mail on Thursday stating that public health officials strongly advise any individuals with a fever or any other symptoms to take preventive measure by staying home from work if they are sick.
• Student Development and other departments are receiving daily updates that will be shared with the campus community when any changes take place on campus, within our  county, our state, or when the need arises.
• We are asking faculty and staff who might be experiencing flu-like symptoms — a fever of 100 F (37.8 C) or higher, running nose, cough, respiratory congestion —to stay home from work or school to keep from making others ill.
• If a student, faculty, or staff member is infected with the swine flu, notification will be sent out campus-wide. If a student in a dorm or apartment is infected, that student will be asked to go home as soon as possible. If they are unable to go home immediately, the University is prepared to have a “quarantine” area available for the student. A thorough cleaning will be performed for any area that is infected.
• The Academic Affairs Office is requesting assistance from faculty to reinforce to students the good health practices that will minimize individual susceptibility to the H1N1 virus. Faculty will be given key teaching points.
• MVNU’s Health Services Coordinator and Vice President for Student Development will be attending an informational meeting at Knox County Health Department on Friday, May 1, to receive any up-to-date information for Knox County prior to the weekend.

Thank you for your attention in this important matter. We will keep you posted if any changes occur.

Dr. Dan Martin
President

RESOURCES:

Student Health Services
Denise Smith, Coordinator (740-397-9000, ext. 4632)

Crisis Response
Peggy Oldham, Coordinator (740-397-9000, ext. 4603)

MVNU’s Emergency Information Online
http://www.mvnu.edu/crisis
http://mvnucrisis.wordpress.com

U.S. Center for Disease Control

International SOS

Ohio Department of Health Information

WHO Pandemic Alert Levels Website

WHO Influenza A(H1N1) Highlights

Global Incident Map

Swine Flu Hits Several Campuses

For general crisis response and crisis communication information, please visit MVNU’s Safety/Emergency page. We are dedicated to communicating with University family, friends, and community in a timely and effective manner in the event of an emergency.

In an uncertain weather situation, AGS students should call (740) 397-9000, ext. 1650 for the latest class information about all AGS locations.