April 29, 2009
Urgent Advisory for the Campus Community Regarding H1N1 Flu
From: Timothy P. White, Chancellor
Anthony Norman, Chair of the Riverside Division of the Academic Senate
In light of developing news about H1N1 flu cases in Riverside and San Bernardino counties, we want to update you on the facts as they are understood at the moment, and how UCR is responding now and preparing for possible short and long term scenarios.
This is a very fluid situation. Earlier today (Wednesday) Riverside County declared a local emergency after four probable cases were reported in the county. We have no evidence to suggest yet that H1N1 flu is on our campus. Nonetheless, it is time for additional precautions and next order planning in case the situation worsens on campus.
Three Action Items Require Your Attention at This Time
- Because we have no evidence of suspected cases at UCR, the campus is continuing normal operations. If you show H1N1-flu symptoms, however, we request that you stay home and remain away from classes, gatherings, and other people, and seek attention of your health-care provider.
- For students, the directive is even stronger, as David Herfindahl, MD, deputy health officer of Riverside County Department of Public Health has ordered that any students demonstrating symptoms not attend class or other gatherings.
- Faculty members are requested to provide accommodations to students who are absent because of illness. Students should be allowed to make up missed work and exams without penalty.
Symptoms of H1N1 Flu
The case definition for H1N1 flu in humans is an acute respiratory illness [runny nose, red eyes, deep cough], an oral temperature of 100 degrees F or higher, and a sore throat.
Background
- The probable cases are in Riverside, Indio, and Corona. Also, in San Bernardino County there is a confirmed case in Twenty-Nine Palms.
- The governor has declared a state of emergency on this issue, to raise public awareness and provide access to additional resources.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised its pandemic alert for H1N1 flu to the second highest level (phase 5), meaning that it believes a global outbreak of the disease is imminent.
Additional Campus Actions
To ensure that our students have access to screening and care, we are working to increase staffing and hours at the Campus Health Center. This should be in place tomorrow as we secure services of additional providers. In the meantime, the center will remain open long enough to treat any student who arrives by the normal closing time of 5 p.m.
The campus is closely monitoring reports, recommendations and directives from county, state and federal health officials.
As you would expect, our campus professionals are planning to accommodate the many potential issues if the situation deteriorates. These include, but are not limited to:
- Establishing quarantine rooms in residence halls.
- Providing food service in a health-conscious manner.
- Employing additional health care providers on campus and extending services.
- Planning for potential interruption of the epidemic cycle by campus closure if compelling evidence warrants, and all the ensuing issues of shortening the academic term, employee related issues, etc.
- Timely communication with parents, students, faculty and staff.
Regular updates will be posted at the following websites, and we request you monitor these sites frequently:
Thank you for your understanding in this emergent situation.
April 28, 2009
A message to the UCR community from Ross Grayson, director of Environmental Health and Safety at UC Riverside:
Recently, state and federal authorities declared a public health emergency as a result of several confirmed cases of H1N1 flu in the U.S. This declaration is described as "standard operating procedure" to free up federal resources to combat the virus. While there are currently only seven cases in Southern California (none are in Riverside County), it is expected that more cases will be confirmed in the coming days; fortunately, none in the U.S. have resulted in death.
Currently, H1N1 flu hazards to the campus are low and there are no changes to university operations or activities. University leaders, Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S), Campus Health Center, and Emergency Management personnel are beginning the early implementation phase of our response plan.
How can you prevent getting the flu?
Following are some suggestions from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for everyday actions people can take to stay healthy.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze; throw out the tissue after use.
- 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.
- Try to avoid contact with sick people; influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people.
- If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
What if I need to travel?
Nonessential travel to Mexico is not advised per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Review the travel advisories listed on the U.S. Department of State website.
All UCR related out of state travel must be registered on the UC Travel site . Registration ensures UC worldwide health insurance, as well as emergency extraction services outside of the country. When registering, be sure you click the “iJet” alert box at the end of the enrollment process. Benefits of registration include regular up-to-date alerts of the area you are traveling to.
What is UCR doing?
UC Riverside has been actively preparing for the potential of a pandemic for many years. Although H1N1 flu has not been declared a pandemic, there are plans and procedures in place to ensure an effective response, particularly if the situation changes over time. The UCR Pandemic Flu plan is available online .
Environmental Health & Safety is also working with local and federal health agencies. We will continue to monitor and follow recommendations of the Riverside County Public Health Department. We will continue to provide up-to-date information on H1N1 flu and impact on the campus as appropriate. See a page on flu information:
Campus leadership is urged to prepare according to the Pandemic Influenza Business Continuity Plan.
If you are not feeling well
Students only
Call the Campus Health Center for a same-day appointment (827-3031) or just walk-in . Walk-in hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
On the weekends, go to a local urgent care clinic. Riverside Medical Center’s Urgent Care is located at 7117 Brockton Ave. and has weekend hours from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Do not attend class. Stay in and rest. Better yet, if possible, return home for a few days. (People with the H1N1 flu are infectious for 7 days.)
Staff and Faculty
Stay home from work, and avoid contact with other people. Follow proper personal hygiene precautions. Your health care professional is in the best position to treat your symptoms and determine if further follow-up is necessary.
For more information
- For more information on the H1N1 flu visit the Environmental Health & Safety Web site.
- For current status updates, visit the Campus Status Web page.
- You can also review current updates, symptoms and advice on how to avoid becoming infected at the Centers for Disease Control and World Health Organization Web sites.
