Kanakuk Kamps Takes Quick Action on Flu

The following press release was sent to local and regional media outlets on Thursday in an attempt to clear up some of the mis-information being reported and to create another avenue for our Kamp Families to hear our official stand on the flu. We have communicated with all the Kamp Families at the impacted Kamps and even this morning are preparing an email to go out to all Kamp families here right now and yet to arrive this summer. We are waiting for the test results to come back from Jefferson City and as of 8:50am 6-26 have not heard from them. When we do I will release another statement. I have been super impressed with the response of our Health Services Director Linda Zimmer. We are so blessed to have a staff of medical professionals, not only full-time employees but the many, many summer employees, and volunteer physicians who are here 24 hours a day all summer long.

---------------------------------

Press Contact: Jay Holden
Marketing Director
Kanakuk Kamps
Branson, MO 65616
(417) 266-3284
jay@kanakuk.com
http://insidekanakuk.com

For Release on June 25, 2009

Kanakuk Kamps Takes Quick Action on Flu

During the last two-week session at Kanakuk Kamps, in two of their eight Kamps, Kampers came to their respective Health Center with mild flu-like symptoms, fever and sore throat. At K-West enough Kampers presented with these symptoms that quick action was taken to isolate and begin the process of testing for type A influenza. Within hours those positive test results were shared with State Health officials and contact made with local county health officials in Stone and Taney County. Fourteen Kampers tested positive and were sent home from Kamp. At the K-Kountry facility four Kampers tested positive and were sent home. All influenza cases have been taken home by their parents and not via public transportation.

“We have prepared for this and are not experiencing anything more than we have in summers past. However, with the heightened concern this year regarding influenza, we are taking this very seriously and have tested people with symptoms for Type A influenza. At this time, we have no confirmed cases of the H1N1 virus.” Says Doug Goodwin, Chief Operating Officer for Kanakuk Ministries. As requested by the health officials, random test samples have been sent off to the State health lab to clarify whether or not these cases are indeed the H1N1 virus. Test results are expected back late Thursday or possibly Friday.

Kanakuk is working hand-in-hand with local and state health officials and they have approved our protocols which are consistent with the CDC. Government health officials have indicated they are supportive of Kanakuk continuing to operate all of its facilities.

Ongoing protocol at all 8 of the Kanakuk Kamps includes: immediate isolation of Kampers with flu-like symptoms, personal care and screening by on-site medical professionals, parental contact, and testing for Influenza A. If the test comes back positive, then Kampers are sent home. This protocol is being followed as quickly as possible by teams of medical professionals at each Kamp.

In addition, Kanakuk is immediately implementing a pre-Kamp screening program. “It is not fool-proof,” says Goodwin, “but, we believe it will help us keep many illnesses out of Kamp.” Kanakuk will be conducting pre-boarding bus screening, screening of those who have flown to Kamp as well as screening everyone who is individually dropped off at Kamp. Kampers with flu-like symptoms, fever, or known exposure to others with influenza will not be allowed into the camps.

In its 84-year history, Kanakuk has been blessed with a remarkable Kamper health and safety record. Kanakuk has experienced many things and done their best to handle them appropriately. This year is no exception and Kanakuk has gone above and beyond to assure illness doesn’t stop the incredible impact of summer camping.

Kanakuk Kamps has been located in Branson since 1926 and each year many families make this premiere camp a summer tradition. Kanakuk Ministries is a not-for-profit, 501(c)(3) that provides children from all over the world with an “Exciting Adventure in Christian Athletics.” There are 8 Kanakuk Kamps facilities in Missouri and Colorado that serve over 13,000 kids each summer. Extensive information about the camps is available at www.kanakuk.com.

####

Appropriate supporting photos and additional interview opportunities can be requested from the contact above.



Facebook friends make your comments in the original post at Inside Kanakuk.