Amid the ever-changing details being discovered and revealed about the recent Swine Influenza outbreak in Mexico, the United States, and other countries across the world, Gustavus Adolphus College President Jack R. Ohle issued a letter to the campus community on Tuesday afternoon regarding the situation.
The letter assures students, faculty, and staff that Gustavus has plans in place to respond to a public health outbreak and gives several recommendations for individuals to follow as a precaution.
The entire letter follows:
To the Gustavus Community:
As you are likely aware, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently identified cases of swine flu in humans, and the federal government has declared a national public health emergency. Thus far the virus has been detected in Mexico and other countries as well as in California, Texas, Indiana, Kansas, Ohio, and New York. Most U.S. cases have been mild. As President Obama said this week, swine flu is a cause for concern but not for alarm.
Gustavus has plans in place to respond to such outbreaks. We are closely monitoring developments. We remain in close contact with federal, state, and local public health officials.
At this time, we recommend the following common-sense precautions:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. If you have no tissue, cough into your elbow rather than your hand.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
- Try to avoid close contact with people you know are ill.
- If you get sick, avoid contact with others to the greatest extent possible to keep from infecting them.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
The CDC and the U.S. State Department are preparing travel advisories recommending against non-essential travel to Mexico.
In response to flu-like symptoms (high fever, cough, runny nose, body aches, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea), students are encouraged to contact the Gustavus Health Service (lower level of the Jackson Campus Center, 933-7630). Non-students are encouraged to contact their own physician. Health care professionals are in the best position to determine if you need influenza testing.
The situation is developing quickly so it is best to monitor the World Health Organization and CDC’s websites for the most up-to-date information and travel advisories:
www.who.int/csr/disease/swineflu/en/index.html
www.cdc.gov/swineflu/general_info.htm
Thank you for your attention and for taking seriously the recommendations above.
Sincerely,
Jack R. Ohle
President
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Media Contact: Director of Media Relations and Internal Communication Luc Hatlestad
luch@gustavus.edu
507-933-7510