The Swine Flu Hits the USAFA :(

AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo -- The Air Force Academy said Friday that 15 cadets are confirmed to have contracted the H1N1 Swine Flu.

It is believed to be the largest outbreak of Swine Flu in Colorado.

The news came as 88 cadets with flu-like symptoms remained isolated. All cadets are doing well, and none have required hospitalization.

Academy spokeswoman Capt. Corinna Jones said that most of the cadets are "doolies," members of the incoming freshman class who began training June 25. She said the cadets, who are under isolation in a dormitory, began coughing and showing other upper respiratory symptoms , beginning last Monday.

As soon as the cadets became sick, the academy contacted the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Air Force Surgeon General's office.

"We are taking the necessary precautions to educate and safeguard military and civilian personnel, as well as family members," said Lt. Gen. Mike Gould, Air Force Academy Superintendent. "The entire cadet wing and all USAFA personnel have been informed and given instructions of actions to take if flu-like symptoms are exhibited.

“This is a serious matter and we are treating it as such. We understand friends and family are concerned about their loved ones and we will release updates as information becomes available,” he said.

There are 1,300 freshman cadets from all over the United States at the Air Force Academy near Colorado Springs.

All personnel at the academy are now washing hands with an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to stop the spread of germs.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment reported 174 confirmed or probable cases of H1N1 in Colorado through July 4.

courtesy TheDenverChannel.com