CAMPUS NOTICE

 

OFFICE OF THE CHANCELLOR

April 28, 2009


ALL ACADEMICS AND STAFF AT UCSD
ALL STUDENTS AT UCSD

SUBJECT:    Update Regarding Swine Flu Outbreak in the U.S.

The UC San Diego Pandemic/Epidemic Response Committee (P/ERC) is working closely with the San Diego County Public Health Department and Centers for Disease Control to stay current on any information regarding swine flu infection in our community. As you may be aware, on April 26 the federal government declared a public health emergency as a result of several confirmed cases of swine flu in the U.S. This declaration is considered "standard operating procedure," taken so that federal resources could be released to combat the virus. As of Monday evening, 5 cases were confirmed in San Diego. Fortunately, all cases in the United States have been mild, and each person has made a full recovery.

There are several steps you can take to prevent illness, including:

1. Use good personal hygiene

· Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.

· Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.

· Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

2. Avoid close contact with people who are ill

· Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.

· If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

3. Avoid non-essential travel to Mexico

UC San Diego has been preparing for illness outbreaks for many years as part of the Emergency Response Planning. We will keep you informed with daily updates on our website at http://blink.ucsd.edu/go/swineflu

For more general information please visit the CDC website at

http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/investigation.htm

For information regarding flu in San Diego county visit

http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/Portal/News/042309swineflu.html


Marye Anne Fox
Chancellor