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The University previously reported that five GW students diagnosed with influenza were probable cases of H1N1 influenza. The DC Department of Health has now informed the University that testing by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed three of those students were positive cases of H1N1 influenza. The DC Department of Health is awaiting results from the CDC of tests it requested on Wednesday for the two remaining students. All five students had been promptly moved to private rooms in a residence hall to limit exposure to other students, are no longer contagious, and have recovered fully following treatment. There are currently no other known cases of influenza of any type on campus.

The CDC's most recent guidance is that most cases of illness from the H1N1 virus are similar in severity to seasonal influenza. The CDC and the DC Department of Health continue to recommend preventative measures including washing hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers and avoiding touching the eyes, nose and mouth. The University has placed hand sanitizers and posted information about influenza prevention in residence hall lobbies. Detailed information continues to be posted on GW Campus Advisories and the Web sites of the GW Student Health Service and GW Medical Center. The University has also dedicated additional resources to cleaning areas where students congregate, including libraries and dining spaces.

The University remains in close communication with the DC Department of Health and federal officials to ensure we are following their recommended guidelines and taking needed steps to ensure the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff. We will continue to provide any additional updates via GW Campus Advisories. For the most current CDC recommendations for colleges and universities, please visit http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/guidelines_colleges.htm.

-GW-