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Miami urges self-isolation in wake of alumna’s death

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By Ryan Gauthier, Staff Writer Updated 11:20 AM Monday, September 28, 2009

OXFORD — Miami University officials are encouraging students who might have contracted the H1N1 virus to avoid contact with the outside world as much as possible in the wake of a recent graduate’s death.

Spokesperson Claire Wagner said the daily number of reported flu-like symptoms has declined in recent days, dropping from double digits earlier this month to single digits last week.

“The trend has been going down according to our information,” Wagner said. “Keep in mind these numbers could be off as these are only the incidents we know about and are all presumed H1N1 cases — not confirmed.”

Wagner said a total of 341 students have reported flu-like symptoms since the beginning of the school year.

The University is urging students to stay home if they exhibit any flu-like symptoms, including coughing, congestion, fatigue or a mild fever. Hand sanitizers have been installed at all residence and dining halls, but Wagner said it’s still important infected students isolate themselves to avoid spreading the disease.

Anyone with an underlying health condition or a temperature in excess of 102 degrees Fahrenheit should immediately consult a doctor, Wagner said.

Recent graduate Kimberly “Kimi” Young reportedly died Wednesday, Sept. 23, several days after testing positive for the H1N1 virus. Services for the 22-year-old Oxford resident will be held Saturday, Sept. 26 at Mt. Zion United Brethren Church in Wayne, Ohio — the day before what would have been her 23rd birthday.

Visitation will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. Friday at Barndt Funeral Home in Wayne and from 10 to 11 a.m. Saturday at Mt. Zion United Brethren Church.

Memorial donations will be accepted in lieu of flowers to Mt. Zion United Brethren Church to help the family with expenses.

Young graduated from Miami in December of last year with a bachelor of arts in international studies and a bachelor of fine arts, according to Miami University’s commencement list. She had been living in Oxford since graduating, working at Kofenya coffee shop.

Young was treated at McCullough-Hyde Memorial Hospital on Tuesday, Sept. 22, according to a press release issued by President and CEO Bryan Hehemann. Contrary to several reports, Hehemann said Young had not received medical treatment from the hospital in the preceding days.

“She was evaluated, her condition was considered critical and she was subsequently transferred within hours by helicopter to University Hospital in Cincinnati,” Hehemann said. “Regarding her recent illness, at no other time did she seek or receive care at a McCullough-Hyde owned facility or service.”

Contact this reporter at (513) 523-4139, ext. 86102, or at rgauthier@coxohio.com.

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