From: Jones Schweitzer, Sharon
Sent: Sunday, April 26, 2009 2:00 PM
To: Trinity Students; Trinity Faculty/Staff
Subject: Swine Flu

A message on behalf of the Crisis Management Team:

Members of the Trinity community, 

News reports of outbreaks of swine flu in Mexico, California, Texas, and several other states have raised concerns about possible pandemic flu.  We write to share information about the situation and Trinity’s preparations. 

At this point the World Health Organization (WHO) has not elevated its pandemic alert level nor have travel warnings been issued for Mexico. Health Services staff are in regular contact with local public health authorities and are actively monitoring the situation.  The University has a pandemic flu plan and the Crisis Management Team has been alerted.  We will continue to monitor information from the WHO, the Centers for Disease Control, and the San Antonio Metropolitan Health District, and will communicate changes to all Trinity community members. 

The staff of the International Programs office report that we have no students currently studying abroad in Mexico City.

Reports indicate that the two confirmed cases and a third suspected case in Texas were at a high school in Cibolo, a community near San Antonio.  Both confirmed cases were considered mild and the individuals have recovered.  Health authorities have closed the high school for at least one week.

We encourage all members of the Trinity community to follow several simple measures to reduce the possible transmission of all flu viruses:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. 
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you sneeze.  Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. 
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose,  or mouth. 
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

Symptoms of swine flu are similar to seasonal flu, including fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.  If you experience these symptoms, seek medical attention early, as  anti-viral medications may help reduce the severity of the illness.  If you are sick with influenza, you should stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

For more information about swine flu go to http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/.  The University will actively communicate updates and will act to protect the wellbeing of the campus community.

Gary W. Neal, Ph.D.                                                         

Director of Counseling and Heath Services                      

Jackie Bevilacqua, RN, C 

Coordinator of Health Services