LEWISTON — To help ensure an H1N1 flu outbreak does not happen in Lewiston and Auburn schools, the two school departments have temporarily stopped having Bates College students work in the public schools.

A few other organizations that receive community service by Bates students have also temporarily postponed those programs, said David Scobey of Bates’ Harward Center, which oversees the community
service learning program. Scobey said he understands the worries and assured
the community that the college has responded to keep everyone safe.

On Oct. 8, Bates College began seeing cases of H1N1, also known as swine flu, when tests confirmed six students had the disease. Because the state stops testing for H1N1 after three or more confirmed cases, all Bates students with flu-like symptoms are presumed to have H1N1.

The virus spread quickly during the Columbus Day weekend. By Tuesday 115 students were sick. On Friday the number was 208, college spokesman Bryan McNulty said.

To the college’s relief, far fewer students are reporting being ill, and it appears Tuesday was the high point. New reported cases at Bates per day were: 53 on Oct. 13; 43 on Oct. 14;
20 on Oct. 15; and 8 cases on Oct. 16.

Of the 208 sick students, 70 went home to recuperate, McNulty said, and at least 50 students have recovered and returned to classes.

One
student was treated briefly for dehydration at a local hospital, but
was not admitted. There have been no complications to date, McNulty
said.

Bates has held several vaccination clinics, inoculating 1,000
students with the nasal mist or injectable vaccine. There are about
1,720 Bates students at the Lewiston campus. The vaccine takes seven to
10 days to become effective.

Bates isolated students who showed symptoms of flu-like illness, and is educating students, faculty and staff about the need for vigilant hygiene and self-monitoring. “We at the Harward Center continue to come to work everyday with confidence,” Scobey said in a written statement.

Other organizations have decided to maintain Bates students’ work with them and are asking students be vigilant about their health and hygiene.

“We are committed to being guided by our partners’ concerns, and we are eager to work with partners to help them make the decision that seems right to them,” Scobey said.

— Bonnie Washuk