Brianne Ries
Assistant editor

While the threat level of the H1N1 flu decreased this week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization urge people to continue taking precautions to protect their health.
WHO reported that there have been 2,099 reported cases of swine flu in 23 countries as of May 7. Mexico has confirmed 1,112 cases and 42 deaths, while the United States confirmed 642 cases and two deaths, both in Texas.
The Oregon Department of Human Services reported May 6 there were 45 laboratory-confirmed cases of the H1N1 virus in Oregon. Confirmed cases have occurred in Clackamas, Lane, Marion, Multnomah, Polk, Umatilla and Washington counties.
Administration raised Linfield to level two in its preparedness plan last week. Several informational e-mails about swine flu have been distributed to students and their parents and include ways to prevent the possible spread of disease at Linfield.
Victoria McGillin, vice president of academic affairs and dean of faculty, said there have not been any suspected cases of swine flu on campus.
Because of the initial fears during the week of April 27, students in the Oaxaca study abroad program learned they would be returning to the United States earlier than planned. The group of 10 Linfield students and their leader, associate professor of modern languages Violeta Ramsay, flew into Portland on May 7.
The CDC stated that the best way to avoid swine flu and other viruses is to cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough, to wash your hands frequently with soap and water, to avoid touching your nose, eyes and mouth and to stay home and seek medical help if you feel ill.
Symptoms of H1N1 include sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, fatigue, fever and cough, according to the CDC.