12:51 p.m., April 27, 2009----With the report of 20 confirmed cases of swine flu in the United States, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued information on the disease, including tips on how to stay healthy and precautions for travelers.

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As of April 26, the CDC has confirmed 20 human cases of the swine flu infection in the United States, including seven in California, two in Kansas, eight in New York, one in Ohio and two in Texas. At this time, only two of the cases in the United States have resulted in hospitalization, and all have recovered.

The University's Student Health Service staff has been alerted to the situation, and the Health Service is in close contact with the State Department of Public Health.

According to the CDC, symptoms for swine flu are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu in humans and may include:

--Fever, greater than 100 degrees F,
--Sore throat,
--Cough,
--Stuffy nose,
--Chills,
--Headache and body aches and
--Fatigue.

Individuals entering the United States who are experiencing such symptoms and who have traveled to an affected area during the last seven days should report their illness to a health-care provider and inform them of their recent travel.

At this time, CDC has not recommended that people avoid travel, but individuals planning to travel from the United States to affected areas are advised to be aware of the risk of illness and take precautions.

To prevent the spread of swine flu, the CDC suggests:

--Avoid contact with ill persons.
--When you cough or sneeze, cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or your sleeve (if you do not have a tissue). Throw used tissues in a trash can.
--After you cough or sneeze, wash your hands with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand gel.
--If you think you are ill with flu, avoid close contact with others as much as possible. Stay at home. Seek medical care if you are severely ill, such as having trouble breathing. Do not go to work, school or travel while ill.

Additional information is available at the CDC Web site: [www.cdc.gov/swineflu].

Earlier this year, UD launched a program to promote good hand hygiene, since keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Purell hand sanitizer stations have been installed in each campus dining hall, the Trabant University Center and the Perkins Student Center, and a poster campaign outlines proper handwashing techniques.