Oxford University has upped its swine flu alert status to the red 3 phase, signalling that there is a pandemic occurring.
Pandemic refers to a sudden outbreak of the disease that then spreads over a wide area. The alteration of the status does not reflect any change in the severity of the illness.
The upgrading of the status follows the news of several diagnosed cases of the H1N1 virus in Oxfordshire, including a second student at the University. According to Oxfordshire NHS Primary Care Trust, the total number of cases of swine flu within the county as of last week stands at 33.
Dr. Ian Brown, Director of Occupational Health, said in a statement, “There is no evidence for transmission of this infection within the University.
“Given the size of the University and the number of academics and students who travel overseas, this is not an unexpected development and is not a cause for concern. The University remains very well prepared.”
