Region in brief: Three more H1N1 cases confirmed at Gonzaga
Three more Gonzaga University students were confirmed Tuesday to be infected with swine flu, bringing the number of cases on the Spokane campus to four.
The first case of the H1N1 virus on campus was confirmed Sept. 1, the first day of fall classes.
About 20 more students have been treated at the student health center for flu-like symptoms but have not been diagnosed with swine flu, said Jeff Hart, assistant dean of students. An additional 20 students were treated by phone, Hart said.
College campuses across the country have seen a spike in the number of suspected swine flu cases, especially as students settle into residence halls, putting them in close proximity and easing spread of the virus.
Gonzaga’s four infected students are living in on-campus housing, Hart said. About 2,500 students moved into dormitories or on-campus apartments this fall.
Washington State University has been in contact with about 2,500 students with flu symptoms. The school is not testing students to confirm swine flu but is treating all patients with flu-like symptoms as if they have H1N1.
Sara Leaming
Accused dog-thrower turns himself in
The man accused of beating a dog outside Spokane City Hall in June turned himself in early Tuesday morning.
Michael J. Jones, 20, was booked into Spokane County Jail on one count of first-degree animal cruelty about 7:30 a.m. His first appearance is set for today in Spokane County Superior Court.
Jones tried to turn himself in late last month but was turned away because charges hadn’t been filed. Spokane police sent a charging recommendation to prosecutors last week, and Jones’ lawyer, Chris Bugbee, said his client has cooperated.
Jones is accused of throwing a 5-pound shih tzu named Cocoa Butter against a wall after smashing out a car window and pulling the dog from the car June 22.
The dog’s owners, Louise and Tom Tuffin, returned from a movie to find the badly injured dog on the sidewalk. They say she’s doing well now.
Meghann M. Cuniff