2 Westminster students tested for swine flu

STAFF REPORT

NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. — Officials at Westminster College said two students have been diagnosed with the flu, but it will be three days before health authorities can determine if they have the H1NI virus (swine flu).

It takes that long for the test results, said Mark Meighen, a Westminster spokesman.

He said four students went to the Student Health Center with flulike symptoms Monday, and two were diagnosed as having influenza.

Both of those students are in quarantine and being treated — a male in the Student Health Center and a female at her private off-campus apartment where she lives alone, Meighen said.

Both students are able to keep up with their studies via the Internet, he said.

Meanwhile, the 1,600-member student body, the rest of the campus community and parents are being kept informed of what’s happening as the college places updates on its Web site, he said. It is most important to educate the campus community about what steps people can take to protect themselves, he said.

The college is being very cautious and proactive in its approach to the flu, Meighen said, noting that its pandemic emergency plan was revised six months ago to deal specifically with the H1N1 virus. Westminster is in contact with the state and Lawrence County health departments as part of that process, he said.