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Show INSIDE Sss S-S.S. SV SS, S S sSsV ssss 1 : n Lady 'Cats drop heartbreaker at home, See page 7 ' Si Volume 65 Issue 70 wsusignpost.com Monday, March 3,2003 ' Influenza outbreaks h nation, Ogden Hi - 1 - s 11 SyS.ssssY,s;eocooooooca.s 5 J By Wendy Leonard special assignments editor The Signpost Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is an extremely contagious viral disease that appears most frequently in winter and early spring. The infection spreads throughout the upper respiratory tract and sometimes invades the lungs. "The virus typically sweeps through large groups of people who share indoor space, such as schools, offices and nursing homes," said Gwen Hadley, Weber-Morgan County Health Department director. The global influenza epidemic of 1 9 1 8 , which started in a military training camp in Kansas, eventually killed about 500,000 people in the United States and more than 20 million worldwide. Two reported outbreaks of flu-like illnesses have already been reported having killed eight children and teenagers in Virginia and Michigan. There have been several other reported flu-related illnesses. Six of the deaths were confirmed as caused by influenza, one was caused by a strep infection, and one by encephalitis. All of the flu cases were caused by a strain of the virus that is included in the vaccine being used this season, health officials say. Although both colds and influenza stem from viruses that infect the upper respiratory "The virus typically sweeps through large groups of people who share indoor space, such as schools, offices and nursing homes." Gwen Hadley Weber-Morgan County Health Department tract, the symptoms of influenza are more pronounced and its complications more severe. "Congestion, sore throat and sneezing are common with colds, and both ailments bring coughing, headache and chest discomfort," said Dr. Michael Smith. "With influenza, you are likely to run a high fever for several days, and your head and body will ache." More than 100 types of cold viruses are known, and new strains of influenza evolve every few years. Since both diseases are viral, neither can be conquered by antibiotics , which only treat bacterial infections. A few antiviral medications recently See Outbreaks page 3 Inrluenia enters throuqh the nose in tkf ' Jv -'. .... -. .3s ":,. ::: :.: ill Immmim ' I' h ' . '-.! influenza virus Influenza, more commonly known as the flu, enters through the nose before infecting the respiratory system. Men complete Big Sky sweep 1 V tKx s r s , . ? Vs si -4 - - ; ! V S ; 1 'V X , ' . fs f - i -s, i . s, 14 .sssW.. 1 s &sSss w Nic Sparrow (front) shoots against Kelly Colob of Northern Arizona University during the Wildcats' last regular season home game. By Mike Browne sports editor The Signpost The men's basketball team became the second team in Big Sky history to go undefeated in conference play with a win Saturday night in Oregon. The Weber State University men (24-5 overall, 14-0 Big Sky) came back from a five-point halftime deficit to beat Portland State University, 83-73, in front of 756 fans. "They're the most talented team in this league," said Heath Schroyer, PSU coach. As of Feb. 22, the 'Cats had secured the Big Sky regular season title and the No. 1 seed in the conference tournament. When they hit the road to play Kastem Washington University and PSU, the Wildcats were playing solely for history. The only other Big Sky team to win all its conference games in one season was Phil Johnson's 1968-69 squad, which went 15-0 in Big Sky play and 27-3 overall . "1 knew we were going to be good." said Joe Cravens, SU coach. "1 just didn't know how good. Now the next step is to win the tourna-i mcnt." The Big Sky tournament starts 1 March S. WSU has a first-round bve, - and will face the lowest remaining - seed in the second round. "The more games you win. the more vou become a target." Ciacns said. "If we get knocked off in the tournament, that means someone has See Sweep page 3 fc.sss..&i:: KM. s- rss--til s v Good, bad of food service John Cornyn, foodservice management consultant from the Cornyn Fasano Croup, met with Jarcd Prishrcy, Kyle Poll, Rachel Korth and other student government members. The students comprised a focus group that discussed campus food servic concerns. "I think everyone would agree, Chartwells gives better service than Marriott did," said John Harris, FlonorsBIS senator. "The quality is better, but the food is overpriced. I also think deep clown students would rather take a step down in food quality if they could get a better price on what it is now." Other concerns included the required use of Chartwells for catering. "I try to stay under the $75 food budget for the sole reason that I can get as much pizza for $70 that would cost $200 through Chartwells," Harris said. A 10-slice pepperoni pizza is $14.J; under Chartwells' policy an1hing more than $75 must be provided utilizing their services. |