9:28 a.m.:Swine flu confirmed in city

News First. News Fast.

By DAVE GOSSETT, staff writer

STEUBENVILLE - The first confirmed case of swine flu in Jefferson County is a student at Franciscan University of Steubenville.

University officials said late Thursday a student employed for the summer at the school was treated for the H1N1 virus after she became ill several weeks ago.

"The student is past the contagious stage," said Joe Loizzo, director of health services at the university. "She is no longer infectious and has been treated with the appropriate measures. The student was working in a university office that is rather isolated from other people." .

University spokesperson Tom Sofio said late Thursday no school events have been canceled.

"We sent out a release to all faculty, staff and students Thursday and offered a meeting Thursday for staff employees as well as a question and answer meeting for students. We saw less than 20 staff employees attend the meeting and just a handful of students at their session. We will be offering an additional meeting today for students who may have concerns," noted Loizzo.

The Franciscan University of Steubenville student is one of 66 Ohio residents who have been treated for the swine flu.

"We will send out additional communications today urging students who feel sick to go to our student health center. Our nurse practitioner will be available today and Monday to see students. And we are urging any faculty or staff member who may feel sick or have concerns to contact their family physician," Loizzo commented.

"And of course we are urging everyone to continue to practice preventive measures such as frequent hand washing, covering noses and mouths when sneezing or coughing and properly disposing of used tissues," said Loizzo.

"We are still looking at how the student came in contact with the swine flu and are working with local health department officials," added Loizzo.

Steubenville Health Commissioner Patty Reda said today she is waiting for paperwork from the West Virginia Health Department.

"The student apparently went to Weirton for the initial medical diagnosis and treatment. She did not require hospitalization and is no longer contagious," said Reda.

"We will continue to monitor this case as well as any other reports of H1N1 flu. And I continue to encourage all residents to cover your mouth when coughing and to wash your hands with warm water and soap very thoroughly and often. If you can't wash your hands, use a hand sanitizer," said Reda.

(Gossett can be contacted at dgossett@heraldstaronline.com.)