Press Releases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRESS CONFERENCE ON INFLUENZA

(Worcester, MA – December 11, 2003)  At a press conference today, Worcester State College President Janelle C. Ashley expressed deep sympathy and a sense of loss to the family and friends of a Worcester State College student who died Sunday, December 7 due to complications from Type A Influenza.  The college first learned of the cause of death on Wednesday, December 10, from the State Department of Public Health.          

“Although it is unusual for a person of his age to die of the flu, according to the State Department of Public Health, it is important that everyone be aware of the seriousness of this virus,” President Ashley said, adding that the College has had grief counseling available to students as well as information sessions about taking proper health precautions. She stated that the school health clinic will be holding information sessions tomorrow for those with concerns.

In addition to President Ashley, Commissioner of Public Health Leonard Morse, MD, released a statement that infection due to Influenza is occurring in the greater Worcester community and that students at other colleges in Worcester have become ill with the virus. (advisory to be faxed) He was followed by the Director of Public Health James Gardiner who congratulated the college for offering flu clinics at its health center where the vaccine was available to all students until the supply ran out. 

Vice President for Student Affairs Sibyl Brownlee expressed the feelings of the student body saying they were “shocked and grieving” for their classmate. Fliers about flu symptoms were passed out to resident students and the college website provided information from the State Department of Public Health.  It was also noted by the College Health Clinic supervising physician, Lynn Manfred, M.D., that a record number students came in for the flu vaccine when it was offered in October and November, but that there has been an increase in the number of flu cases they are seeing as well as it being much earlier than in past years.

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