Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Swine Flu Information and Updates Communication
To: All Students, Staff & Faculty
From: Anita Barkin, Director, Student Health Service
Date: April 29, 2009
Important Update on Swine Flu
Dear Members of the Campus Community:
Because our top priority at Carnegie Mellon is to ensure a safe and healthy campus environment for our students, faculty and staff, I am writing to ask those who have recently returned from, and those who have planned travel to areas affected by the swine flu, or anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms, to take several precautions in response to the rapidly escalating situation. Although there are no known cases in our campus community, there have been confirmed cases at a few other colleges nationally.
The following individuals need to contact Student Health Services immediately at 412-268-8220:
- Those who have arrived in Pittsburgh from Mexico, or other affected areas (see http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu for the most up-to-date information), within the last 10 days or are planning to return in the near future
- Those who are planning travel to Mexico in the near future;
- Those who have a fever of 100 degrees F or more (37.8 C) and a cough, sore throat, congestion, fatigue, body aches, nausea and vomiting or diarrhea.
Returning or Planning to Return From Mexico or Other Affected Areas: Consistent with CDC recommendations, Student Health Services is advising any student, faculty or staff member who has recently returned to Pittsburgh from Mexico or other areas where swine flu has been identified, to not attend classes or public events on campus, and to not come to work prior to contacting Student Health Services. Obviously, the last week of classes before finals is a busy time for everyone, and students may feel very anxious about missing classes, but the Office of Student Affairs is ready to help students who may need to miss class for this reason.
Planning to Travel to Mexico:
If you plan to travel to Mexico, please be advised that the CDC is recommending that travel be postponed at this time. However, if you intend to travel despite this warning, we request that you contact Student Health Services prior to travel to receive appropriate advice. We may be reached at 412-268-8220 during regular hours to leave a message and your call will be returned.
If You Have a Fever:
It is important to note that Tamiflu and Relenza are effective for treating swine flu if given within the first 24-48 hours of the onset of a fever. If a student develops a fever of 100 degrees F or more (37.8 C) and a cough, sore throat, congestion, fatigue, body aches, nausea and vomiting or diarrhea, they should contact Student Health Services by phone (412-268-8220) as soon as possible after the onset of fever. If you do not have a thermometer, you can get Temp-a-dots from Student Health Services, the University Center Information Desk and desk attendants in residence halls.
Faculty and staff who have a fever should contact their health care provider and not come to work until cleared by their health care provider. Student Health Services would like to know of any community member who is diagnosed with influenza, and we are ready to help any member of the campus community who has any questions or concerns.
Covering your cough and washing your hands frequently remain the best and simplest ways to decrease the spread of viruses, including swine flu.
We will continue to monitor this rapidly evolving problem and will keep you posted. Information is available online.
Please help us keep Carnegie Mellon a safe and healthy environment for everyone. Thank you for your attention and vigilance.
