H1N1 in Orono Maine

Orono, Maine is concerned with the H1N1 Virus much like many other communities in the country. The virus could potentially affect this small community much greater than other towns in Maine. Along with its local school system, School Union 87, Orono also has to consider the viruses effect on the University of Maine.

Assistant Town Manager Maria Weinberger is instrumental in the planning for taking care of the citizens of Orono. Weinberger also serves as the town’s local Health Officer. Her role makes her key in dealing with any H1N1 Virus issues in the community. The town is planning a day for influenza vaccination.



Weinberger warns that when the H1N1 Virus Vaccination is available that people should couple it with the standard influenza vaccination. People currently expect a cure for the H1N1 Virus but that is not yet available. Town management in Orono can only pass along the information that they get from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and they take cues on how to deal with the virus from the federal government. The local fire department is the first respondents for an outbreak and has been training on how to contain the virus.

Orono and its school system are working together to vaccinate the students against the influenza. Orono High School Athletic Director Mike Archer talks about what is being done for the students.



Archer also says that there is no shutdown plan for an H1N1 Virus outbreak. The only current plan is to keep any students with the flu at their homes. The Orono school system is hoping that if there is a breakout that containment will be the best course of action as it is not feasible to completely shut down the schools. The hope is that H1N1 does not affect any of the athletic seasons in the state. Archer talks about how students are safe playing sports.



According to Weinberger even once the vaccination is actually available it cannot protect people from themselves. She stresses the need to constantly wash your hands and protect yourself and others from germs.

Information on the virus is also constantly changing. The definition of when the Virus is still contagious has changed several times. Now it is believed that the virus is no longer contagious after coughing has stopped, which usually takes a week or more. Originally it was thought that the virus was no longer contagious after the fever has subdued, which was generally after two to three days.

There have not yet been any reported incidents of the virus in Orono, Maine.