Influenza outbreak strikes Job Corps students
70 of 250 show symptoms at CBJC
MOSES LAKE — After officials at the Grant County Health District confirmed at least two cases of Influenza A in the county last week, the Columbia Basin Job Corps notified the health district yesterday that 70 of its 250 students have exhibited flu-like symptoms.
"When you think about it, that is a substantial number of suddenly ill young people (who are) otherwise (typically) healthy," said Grant County Health District Officer Dr. Alexander Brzezny, at a Board of Health meeting on Wednesday.
At the meeting, Brzezny said the first cases of ill students at Job Corps began last week and were mostly students who had sore throats.
Yesterday, upon being notified by Job Corps staff of new cases of the flu, the health district dispatched nine employees who were sent to the campus near Big Bend Community College where several of the students with flu-like symptoms were interviewed. Health district staff separated healthy students from those who appeared to be ill and began testing students for Strep A, influenza and viral mononucleosis.
Those tests will be sent to a state lab for further analysis.
Brzezny said individuals with flu symptoms at Job Corps were asked to stay in the dorms and are dining separately from those who are healthy, and that those students that have not yet become ill with the flu will be offered both flu vaccinations and medications today.
Peggy Grigg, director of personal health services with the GCHD, said vaccinations for Job Corps staff and students as well as continuing screening tests will also be provided.
By Wednesday afternoon, Grigg said out of nine patients who demonstrated flu-like symptoms, five tested positive for Influenza A.
There are three types of influenza.
Influenza A usually results in larger outbreaks and is a virus that is continuously changing, whereas types B and C are often known for causing smaller outbreaks and milder illnesses.
Flu-like symptoms can include a fever, body ache, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat and lack of energy.
In a statement released by the health district yesterday, 33 Job Corps trainees also were reported to have shown signs of the flu, 17 of which are still waiting to be seen by health officials.
Brzezny said one possible contributing factor of the outbreak at Job Corps could be the proximity of students to each other in the dormitories. Grigg also surmised this year's shortage of flu vaccine could be a component.
Health officials mentioned that there is concern about students at BBCC who may have come in contact with a Job Corps student who has influenza as there are some Job Corps students who take classes at BBCC.
Catherine Holestine, public information officer at BBCC, said Job Corps students who are enrolled in classes at BBCC will not be attending classes for today and have been asked to remain on the Job Corps campus. Holestine said BBCC instructors have been notified that those students will not be attending class.
Brzezny said the infected individuals are typically contagious the day before the onset of symptoms and seven days after first symptoms arise, leaving a period of eight days for the flu to be transmitted.
At last night's board of health meeting, Quincy City Councilman Tony Gonzalez, asked Brzezny if Grant County was the only county to have reported outbreaks of the flu and questioned as to whether other entities that have been notified of the situation.
Brzezny responded by saying Grant County is not the only place influenza has been found and said that as of Monday, 54 cases of influenza had been reported statewide, 6 of those being reported in the county.
Brzezny also pointed out that other cities within Grant County are aware of the situation at Job Corps as well as healthcare facilities, neighboring counties and the Moses Lake School District.
To avoid contracting the flu, health officials advise people to avoid close contact with those who are sick and to stay at home if flu-like symptoms develop. Residents are also encouraged to practice good hygene habits such as frequently washing hands, covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and to avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth where germs can be easily spread. Individuals who believe they have the flu should seek consultation from a healthcare provider.
Health district immunization clinics are held at the courthouse in Ephrata on Mondays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., and at the Moses Lake office on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.