The American College Health Association reports that almost 75% of U.S. colleges and universities have reported cases of flu-like illness among their student populations. The CDC indicates that nearly all circulating instances of flu are the 2009 H1N1 strain.  One college, Washington State at Pullman, indicated that it estimates at least 2,600 possible cases (September 10, 2009).  Confirming the experience of Southern Hemisphere winter infections, most students are experiencing mild symptoms. 

The Washington State campus is prepared for more cases. "If you follow the CDC's predictions that up to 50 percent of a population could become infected, then we might be looking at 9,000 people here," said Dr. Dennis Garcia, health and wellness associate medical director.

It appears that schools with active fraternity and sorority programs are especially vulnerable, perhaps due to rush or closer living conditions, which, if confirmed, could improve the accuracy of simulations by including on-campus residency rates, housing density, and other physical factors.

One student death has been reported by Troy University in Alabama. The student had no underlying medical conditions, but contracted pneumonia while fighting the infection.

The ACHA summary appeared in a story communicated by Homeland Security Insight & Analysis, and was originally reported by USA Today.