NCCU campers diagnosed with H1N1 virus

State health officials say the H1N1 influenza virus is here to stay and that they are preparing for a second wave of virus to hit by September.

Posted 2:16 p.m. Jul 18, 2009 — Updated 7:41 p.m. Jul 18, 2009

WILSON, N.C. — At least one high schooler attending a camp at North Carolina Central University was diagnosed with the H1N1 virus, also called the swine flu, this week.

NCCU officials said several other students in the Renaissance Upward Bound Camp had suspected cases of swine flu.

The campers are all from Edgecombe and Durham counties. By Thursday, all campers had returned home, and the remainder of the camp was canceled.

"We are working closely with the local health department and all summer programs on our campus and will take every precaution to ensure that our camps and academic programs are safe for participants," said, Dr. Letitia Hazel, NCCU's medical director.

The university is continuing to monitor the situation and keep the campus community and visiting groups informed, officials said.

The H1N1 virus has become so widespread that health officials in North Carolina and around the world announced Friday they are no longer tracking the number of cases. As of July 11, there had been 395 confirmed cases of H1N1 in 64 counties and four deaths. About 12 percent of the cases have required hospitalization.

Health officials say one of the best ways to help lower risk to the flu is to practice basic prevention tips, including frequent hand washing, avoiding others exhibiting symptoms and staying at home, if sick.

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