Kanakuk Colorado Health Update

The following press release will be sent in conjunction with the San Juan Basin Health Department this afternoon. They are appreciative of our communication efforts and we continue to work with them closely.

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

For Immediate Release

Statement for Attribution to Andy Braner
President
Kanakuk Colorado, Bayfield CO

Bayfield, CO – July 14, 2009 – Kanakuk Colorado today released the following update regarding a recent outbreak of campers contracting a flu-like illness.

“Yesterday, Kanakuk Colorado reported to the San Juan Basin (LaPlata County) Health Department that at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday afternoon 2 campers presented to the Health Center at the camp with mild fever, and scratchy throats. Within 30 minutes these campers had been isolated from the camp population and evaluated by the on-site Health Care staff. Per our protocol, we immediately began the process of sending those campers home. As of Tuesday afternoon, the total number of ill at camp was 68, which included 19 staff.

“By Sunday night at 11:00 p.m. approximately 45 additional campers had presented to the camp Health Center displaying similar symptoms. Because the health and safety of our campers is of top priority to us, we isolated the ill campers and contacted their guardians to arrange for their return home. Additionally, we contacted the San Juan Basin Health Department first thing Monday morning to apprise them of the situation.

“We will continue to work with local and state officials to ensure that we are doing everything we can to isolate the illness and protect the health of our campers who will be joining us throughout the summer.

“The officials at the San Juan Basin Health Department have been extremely helpful in confirming our protocols and sharing in our decision to remain open. We are looking forward to working with them throughout the rest of the summer. And, are assisting them with additional viral identification tests.

“All new incoming campers attending our current session were screened prior to arrival. All parents were required to fill out an additional health questionnaire and campers were tested for fever. Campers with flu-like symptoms, fever or known exposure to others with influenza have not and will not be allowed into the camp.

“The current term is scheduled to end on July 19th. In between groups of campers additional precautionary measures will be taken to thoroughly sanitize our facilities and to assure the health of our incoming campers and camp staff. Kanakuk Colorado will start Term 5 as regularly scheduled on July 19th.

“In addition, we will continue to be vigilant in our efforts to detect and isolate any campers with flu-like systems. Our influenza protocol at Kanakuk Colorado includes: immediate isolation of campers with flu-like symptoms, personal care and screening by physicians and nurses, and parental contact. Campers with a fever of 100.5 or greater will be sent home.

“We believe that the swift and aggressive actions we have taken will help ensure that the Kampers who will be joining us for the rest of the season will be able to enjoy our summer tradition of providing an ‘Exciting Adventure in Christian Athletics.”

Kanakuk Colorado has been located in Bayfield since 2000 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 Kamps is available at www.kanakuk.com. For the 2010 camping season this camp will be named KIVU and be its own 501 (c) 3. For more information go to www.campkivu.com.

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