Guidance on University of Florida Day and Resident Camps/Summer 2009

William Properzio, Director Environmental Health & Safety

The University of Florida has prepared the following swine flu-related information to assist colleges and departments operating camps affiliated with the university.

This information is being provided in response to recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance regarding several outbreaks of the influenza A(H1N1) virus at day and residential camps across the country. This guidance should be provided to directors/coordinators of any camps under your management.

For general screening, flu-like illness or symptoms are considered to be a fever of over 100° F accompanied by runny nose, sore throat, nasal congestion or cough.

Reducing Risk of Introduction of H1N1 into Camp

• Camp attendees and staff should not be allowed to attend camp if they have had flu-like illness in the seven days prior to the start of camp. Additionally, if they have been exposed to a person with H1N1 or flu-like illness in the seven days prior to the start of camp, they may attend camp but should closely self-monitor and report development of flu-like illness or symptoms immediately.
• Camp attendees and staff should immediately inform camp management if they currently have or have had flu-like illness in the seven days prior to arrival.
• Persons who currently have or have had flu-like illness in the previous seven days should not attend camp for seven days after their symptoms began or until they have been symptom-free for 24 hours, whichever is longer.Detection of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) Symptoms
• Monitor camp attendees and staff for symptoms of flu-like illness and provide education to individual campers about reporting flu-like illness.
• Campers who develop flu-like illness should be immediately separated from the general camp population until they can be safely returned home or receive medical care.Prevention and Mitigation

  The CDC recommends some simple precaution to reduce the risk of contracting or spreading this or any type of influenza virus. These hygiene tips should be shared with camp attendees and staff.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, as this spreads germs.For medical questions regarding H1N1 or flu-like illness or symptoms, please contact the Student Health Care Center at 352-392-1161 x4220.

  For administrative questions regarding the implementation of this guidance, please contact the Director’s Office of Environmental Health & Safety at 352-392-1590.

  Additional information can be found at the following links:

• Interim CDC Guidance on Day and Residential Camps in Response to Human Infections with the Novel Influenza A(H1N1) Virus – http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/camp.htm
• CDC H1N1 (Swine Flu) Page – http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/