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UNCW officials take extra precautions

Reported by Claire Simms - bio|email
Posted by Debra Worley - email

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) - UNCW school officials are taking precautions in effort to prevent students from getting H1N1 (swine flu).

Thousands of people are on campus every day, making it easy for a virus or illness to spread.  While there are no illnesses resembling the flu on campus right now, officials have a plan in case they start seeing symptoms.

Emergency officials are constantly monitoring and keeping in contact with UNCW health officials.

With graduation approaching more people are expected to be on campus.  UNCW officials will have extra hand sanitizer at the ceremonies and are asking those who are ill to not attend.

"We have taken some extra precautions because it is a large gathering," said UNCW emergency manager Suzanne Blake.  "We're not near canceling anything, everything is on schedule, but we will have extra hand sanitizer for everyone to use and we do recommend that everyone who is sick or exhibiting flu-like symptoms to stay home."

Not only are school health officials taking precautions on campus, they are also making sure students who are studying abroad are safe.

"We had approximately four students in Mexico and they're all either back here or on their way back," said Blake.  "We've also educated our entire study abroad community about this situation as well as safe travel tips."

Campus officials sent an email to students reminding them how to prevent the flu.

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