2009 SU Update: Update on the H1N1 Influenza

The World continues to see an increase in the H1N1 Influenza. There are as of July 7, 2009, 100,000 cases worldwide and over 10,000 cases with four (4) deaths in the European Region (one of six regions of the WHO). Serbia is in this region and has reported over twenty (20) cases. There are multiples of this number of cases in the world. Most people with minor symptoms of cough and fever are not tested.

At the World University Games Athletes’ Village, we will have over 9,000 athletes from 121 countries. The Village contains fourteen (14) new apartment buildings with large open areas for athletes to walk, shop, eat and converse. There is one large cafeteria where all athletes eat. There are 1-3 athletes per bedroom.

We have three (3) confirmed cases of H1N1 Influenza and all three (3) athletes came to Belgrade with the infection. We have no confirmed cases of person to person transmission within the Village. All three (3) athletes are in isolation units at the Serbian Military Medical Academy. They are well enough to be released but are retained in an effort to minimize spread within the Village.

Our policy for H1N1 Influenza has been developed by the Working Group of Serbia for infectious disease in cooperation with the WHO.

The FISU Medical Committee has added additional requirements in an effort to control spread of the new virus within the Village.

We have two (2) members from the WHO and one (1) member from the European Communical Disease Center in Belgrade helping FISU and the Military Medical Academy with the H1N1 situation. We have appreciated their support and very kind comment on the preparation implementation of the H1N1 plan for the 2009 Belgrade World University Summer Games.

Our plan includes:
1. Requesting all athletes and officials with any symptoms of influenza not to enter the Village;

2. All with symptoms (cough, fever, shortness of breath) to report to the Polyclinic immediately. Also use a mask immediately;

3. Use well recognized health prevention strategies such as washing hands frequently, not touching hands to face and mouth, cover mouth when coughing, keep one meter distance from anyone coughing and open windows in the rooms;

4. Isolating all persons with symptoms of influenza until results of the H1N1 nasal swab are available;

5. Isolating close contacts of those with proven H1N1 Influenza either in the polyclinic or hospital with positive cases for 72 hours and then testing close contacts with nasal swabs. If they are negative and they are asymptomatic, they can then leave quarantine and compete.

It is important to note to date all tests on close contacts have been negative and all infected athletes appear to have a very mild disease.

We do expect more cases to be identified since we are testing all with symptoms and all close contacts.

We will publish our entire experience with results after the Games in an effort to help the WHO and other major games organizer.

Lawrence D. RINK M.D.
FISU Chair Medical Committee