A Carolina student has been confirmed with having the H1-N1 influenza virus, commonly known as Swine Flu, says UNC Assistant Vice-Chancellor for Health Services Mary Covington.

Covington says the term “probable” was used while awaiting confirmation from the State Health Department.

An Alert Carolina e-mail and text message was sent to UNC staff and students informing them that a UNC student who lives off campus in Orange County has been infected. That student has been treated, self-isolated at home, and did not have to be hospitalized.

There are 59 cases of the H1-N1 virus in North Carolina, and just today the World Health Organization has classified the virus outbreak as a pandemic.

In light of the growing number of cases in the state, Covington says the University began making preparations.

UNC's Department of Environment, Health, and Safety is leading Carolina's response to the H1-N1 flu in collaboration with the UNC Health Care System, UNC General Administration, the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services and the Orange County Department of Public Health.