UMaine Public Health Reminder

UMaine Alert

Posted: April 19, 2024 - 1:32 PM

At approximately 9:24 a.m. on Friday, April 19, a University of Maine graduate student was struck by a university vehicle on Long Road at the University of Maine campus in Orono. The student reports that they are at a local hospital with minor injuries.

Emergency services, including the Orono Fire Department, University Volunteer Ambulance Corps, University of Maine Police Department, Orono Police Department and Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene.

The university vehicle involved in the incident was a Chevrolet Express van. It was being operated by a university employee.

Counseling services and support are available for students, faculty or staff who may have been affected. The Counseling Center can be reached at 207-581-1392 and the Dean of Students Office can be reached at 207-581-1406.

The scene has been cleared and Long Road is now accessible. An investigation is being conducted by the University of Maine Police Department with assistance from the Penobscot County Sheriff’s Office Crash Reconstruction Unit. Any witnesses to the incident are encouraged to contact Lt. Noel Santiago at noel.santiago@maine.edu.

January 14, 2015 News

The University of Maine has been informed by the Maine Center for Disease Control about widespread influenza activity across the state in December and January. This activity includes both 33 newly reported outbreaks and increased hospital admission related to influenza across the state. These two metrics are indicators of the severity of illness this flu season.

Given this information, the University of Maine is working to increase campus community awareness of the Maine Center for Disease Control influenza prevention recommendations. The latest information is online.

Influenza vaccination is still strongly encouraged to prevent or lessen the severity of influenza, especially to protect those persons at risk of more severe disease. The vaccine is widely available. January is not too late to get vaccinated. After administration, the vaccination takes about two weeks to take full effect. For questions about vaccination, contact the Maine Immunization Program, immunizeme@maine.gov; 800.867.4775.

Be familiar and follow the Maine CDC “No Flu 4 You” prevention guidelines, which include:

Wash your hands: Remember to wash your hands frequently to prevent transmission of influenza. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer between hand washings.
Cover your cough: Use tissues, or cough into your sleeve or elbow
Stay home when you are sick: To lessen the spread of the virus, symptomatic individuals should remain home and practice social distancing while sick. Maine CDC recommends staying home until 24 hours after fever resolves without the use of medications.
Get Vaccinated: Maine CDC recommends vaccination for everyone age 6 months and older. Influenza vaccine is provided at no cost by the state of Maine for young adults under age 19. For your convenience, vaccine is still available through UMaine’s Cutler Health Center; call for an appointment, 207.581.4000, or contact your personal health care provider for vaccine availability. Visit flu.gov and input your local zip code to locate a flu shot offering in your area.