H1N1 Influenza A Virus
Date: May 01, 2009
From: Vincent Carilli, Ph.D., Vice President for Student Affairs & Chair of the Critical Incident Response Team
Subject: H1N1 Influenza A Virus
As the chair of the Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT), I want to inform the University community of our efforts to monitor developments concerning the H1N1 Influenza A Virus (commonly known as the Swine Flu).
Members of CIRT have been in contact with local and statewide officials to keep current with the latest information and actions being taken to combat the spread of the virus. The CIRT and University leadership will continue to monitor the situation to determine if any actions need to be taken on our campus.
Although no actions have been specified at this time, we would encourage you to take preventive measures that minimize the spread of any virus. The Pennsylvania Department of Health lists the following:
Cough Etiquette:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze--throw the tissue away after use.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If water is not near, use an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
- Do not touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs often spread this way.
Hand Washing
- Wash your hands or use alcohol-based hand cleaners.
- Wash your hands with soap and water when hands are visibly soiled, or an alcohol-based hand cleaner when soap and water are not available and hands are not visibly soiled.
- Staff members and care providers are encouraged to wash their hands to the extent possible when engaged in any activity that would bring them in contact with tissues or surfaces soiled with saliva or nose drainage.
- When using alcohol-based hand cleaner, rub hands thoroughly until the alcohol has dried.
For additional information, please go to www.cdc.gov
I would encourage students, faculty and staff who haven’t already done so, to enroll in the University’s Emergency Text Messaging System. You can do so through the Emergency Notification Registration link on the My.Scranton portal.
Be assured that The University of Scranton is taking this matter very seriously and that the CIRT will continue to closely monitor the situation. I will update the University community of any significant developments.
