April 28, 2009 9:00 a.m. ET

Dear Students, Faculty and Staff:

In response to increasing reports of swine flu in the United States and around the world, the University's emergency response team has begun meeting daily to gather and assess available information and to develop and implement any proactive steps that are appropriate for the university community at this time. We are monitoring the situation closely and are in touch with local and federal public health authorities. Officials do not recommend changes to routine operations at this time and we are planning for final exams and upcoming activities, including commencement, to take place as currently scheduled.

As you may know, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has been tracking this illness and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) declared a public health emergency in the United States. The Acting HHS Secretary described this action as standard operating procedure to make federal resources available as necessary to combat the virus. Researchers and infectious disease experts at Georgetown University Medical Center are providing us with information and updates as well.

As of this morning 40 confirmed cases are reported in the United States in California, Kansas, New York, Ohio, and Texas as well as several other international locations, most notably Mexico. No cases of swine flu have been reported in the Washington, DC region or on our campuses.

Public health officials tell us that hand washing with soap and water is the most important thing to do to prevent the spread of this virus. Alcohol based hand sanitizers can also be helpful. As precautionary measures, on campus we are posting materials to inform individuals about proper hand washing procedures, making sure that hand soap and hand sanitizer stations remain well stocked, and providing cleaning supplies and hand sanitizer to students in residence halls. We are also taking extra steps to have cleaning crews sanitize in high traffic locations and common areas throughout campus.

We ask that all members of the university community remain vigilant about their health and personal hygiene. Symptoms of influenza may include fever, body aches, cough, sore throat, and in some cases gastrointestinal upset. The virus is typically spread via personal contact through coughing or sneezing, and can sometimes be spread by contacting something with flu viruses on it and then touching the nose or mouth. Students should visit the Student Health Center if they experience flu-like symptoms, particularly if they have traveled recently to an area where swine flu is known to be present, and faculty and staff may consult their personal physicians.

The U.S. Department of State and CDC have issued travel alerts for Mexico. We recommend that university students, faculty and staff take this information into account and postpone any nonessential travel to Mexico at this time.

We will continue to closely monitor the situation and provide updates to the university community via the emergency preparedness website. Additional information regarding swine flu is available at the CDC website.

Sincerely,
James Welsh, MD, MPH
Assistant Vice President for Student Health

Rocco DelMonaco
Vice President for University Safety