INFLUENZA A (H1N1) (formerly swine flu) fear swirled through the air at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, campus yesterday after three students were confirmed to have been infected with the virus.

Campus officials have reported that the affected persons and others with flu-like symptoms have been isolated.

Well-placed sources told The Sunday Gleaner that a total of 60 students were showing flu-like symptoms.

Mid-afternoon yesterday, Deputy Principal Joseph Pereira convened a meeting with director of student services, Thelora Reynolds, administrators of halls of residence, and a team from the Ministry of Health.

The UWI issued a statement later saying that the Public Health Department of the Ministry of Health had visited the campus and had instituted the necessary public-health measures.

As a precaution and containment measure, the UWI said it was advising members of staff and students who might have symptoms of influenza to stay home and to contact the nearest health practitioner. "They should not report to the campus until they have been properly assessed."

Classes not suspended

In the meantime, the UWI said based on the advice of the Ministry of Health, it is not necessary to suspend classes. However, out of an abundance of caution, it has decided to cancel all social events scheduled to take place at the Mona campus for the next seven days.

The university is working closely with the Ministry of Health and is assuring the public that the situation is being closely monitored by the administration and the public-health authorities. Steps are also being taken to minimise the spread of the infection.