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Montreat Conference Center Takes Precautions to Fight Flu
We have learned of one probable case of H1N1 with a conferee the week of June 7th. We notified the managers of the lodge in which the person was staying and they have taken measures to clean their living space as is recommended by the CDC. The CDC says: clean all areas and items that are more likely to have frequent hand contact (doorknobs, faucets, handrails) routinely (daily) and also immediately when visibly soiled; use cleaning agents that are usually used in these areas; it is not necessary to conduct disinfection of environmental surfaces beyond routine cleaning. CDC also stresses the importance of hand washing and use of hand sanitizers.
We have been in touch with the Buncombe Country health department. Their advice to us is, first, for anyone with a fever or flu-like symptoms to stay home. And second, to screen those arriving for fever or other symptoms.
The best measure of prevention is hand washing. We have hand sanitizer throughout the conference center.
Should you have questions you may contact the Buncombe County Health Center by calling 828-250-5109 (please ask for the disease control nurse) or visit the Centers for Disease Control website.
“Having learned that a Montreat conference participant, who attended a conference the week of June 7th, has a probable case of the Novel H1N1 Influenza, we are taking precautions with our visitors who are here this week and will continue to do so throughout the summer,” said conference center president, Pete Peery.
This probable case in a conference participant from Georgia who had returned home and soon exhibited “flu-like symptoms” was identified on Thursday, June 18. “We have notified the managers of the lodge in which the conferee was staying. Following general health guidelines, hand sanitizer is available throughout the conference center and we are encouraging its use.” Peery continued, “We are contacting conference participants planning to come to conferences throughout the summer, asking them not to come if they have any fever or exhibit flu-like symptoms within the last seven days. We also have staff overseeing the conference registration lines to screen for people with fever.”
Montreat Conference Center is working with the Buncombe County Health Department to closely monitor the situation. “We are eager,” said Peery, “for everyone to have a healthy and safe summer season. To that end, we are actively encouraging people to remember how important it is to wash their hands frequently and get immediate medical attention if they develop fever or other symptoms.”