Update on swine flu
Note: the following e-mail was posted on April 30 at 5 p.m.
Dear faculty, staff and students:
With news of suspected swine flu cases at other CSU campuses and of a case in the city of San Francisco, I wanted to update you on San Francisco State's status and on procedures in place to keep you safe and informed. First, be assured that the University is closely monitoring the swine flu situation and coordinating with public health officials to stay abreast of developments in our area. We have not had any reported cases at SF State; The University is open and classes are continuing.
One change is in effect immediately: consistent with State Department travel recommendations, nonessential travel to Mexico is halted until further notice. The CSU has been in touch with the 12 SF State students currently studying in Mexico, and they are safe and well. There are no plans at this time for them to travel home.
In the event of serious flu risks in San Francisco we are prepared to take appropriate actions. Just last week, the University conducted a disaster planning exercise on the topic of pandemic flu. The administrators who staff the University's Emergency Operations Center met for training and a scenario-based exercise focused on ensuring our emergency plan specific to flu is thoughtful, comprehensive and up to date. This team is in regular communication and poised to act quickly, should a local response be necessary.
While now is not the time for alarm, now is a good time to learn how you can prevent transmission or spot symptoms of flu. Take everyday precautions to stay healthy: Clean your hands frequently, preferably using hand sanitizers that consist of at least 60 percent alcohol, especially after you cough or sneeze. Cover your nose and mouth with a disposable tissue when you cough. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth to limit the spread of germs. Close contact and hand-to-hand transmission are the primary means of spreading the illness among humans. No specific foods or food groups are associated with transmission.
If you do become ill, be on alert for symptoms of swine flu: fever (greater than 100 degrees) and a cough or sore throat. If you experience flu symptoms, stay home and contact your health care provider by phone or e-mail. Do not come to class or to work and expose others.
The Student Health Service (SHS) has posted information on its Web site: www.sfsu.edu/~shs, which also includes links to key resources at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and California Department of Public Health. At these sites you can familiarize yourself with practical steps for reducing health risks and learn what to do should you become ill. We will stay in close communication with students, faculty and staff should important developments occur. It is likely that information will unfold at a rapid pace, and I urge you to look to the University's home page at www.sfsu.edu for announcements and updates.
-- Robert A. Corrigan, President
