Updated

University of Alabama officials say 54 cases of influenza were reported on the first day of school.

John Maxwell of the Student Health Center says most of the cases are likely the H1N1 virus and says health officials believe the outbreak started with sorority rush last week.

He says "everyone is a little bit edgy" after the group of mostly students tested positive as school began Tuesday. But he says the school has prepared throughout the summer for a surge of the H1N1 virus.

Maxwell says the university has set up a flu hot line for parents and students. And he says the roommates of students who test positive for the virus are immediately prescribed anti-flu drugs.

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Information from: The Tuscaloosa News, http://www.tuscaloosanews.com