Posted Sunday, May 3

Two students announced last week as the first probable cases of swine flu in D.C. have fully recovered and are no longer contagious, University spokeswoman Tracy Schario said Sunday evening.

The two female students were moved from Thurston Hall to City Hall last week to prevent the spread of the virus, but Schario declined to say if the students had returned to their original housing.

“While we continue to await results of testing by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the District of Columbia Department of Health has determined that these two students are no longer contagious,” University President Steven Knapp said in a statement. “They have recovered fully following treatment with anti-viral medication.”

Schario said Saturday evening that the two students are currently the only probable cases of the swine flu at the University but declined to say how many students had been moved to other housing as a precaution or how many flu swabs had been sent to the D.C. Department of Health.

At Friday’s press conference, University Provost and Vice President for Health Affairs John “Skip” Williams said it was likely the virus would spread to other students. Sunday, Schario said it was difficult to forecast how many cases the University could see.

“I don’t think anybody can predict that,” she said. “We’re being prepared in case there are additional cases.”

Students worried about the spread of the virus are instructed to wash their hands regularly and not to touch their eyes, nose or mouth.

In addition, the University plans to step up cleaning efforts at certain locations on Campus, Knapp said.

“The University is focusing particular attention on locations on campus where students gather and is devoting extra resources to cleaning those locations,” he said. Schario declined to say which locations the cleaning crews would focus on.

Schario declined to elaborate on any additional University response to the virus, including changes in University Police Department patrol or the potential closing of any buildings.

Knapp added that students with questions can speak with University staff members.

“Members of the University staff also are going directly to affected residence halls to speak with students where they live about the H1N1 virus and preventative steps they can take,” Knapp said.

Alex Byers contributed to this report.