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May 12, 2009
H1N1
Virus Update # 4
Dear District Family:
With
these periodic messages, I want to keep you apprised of our situation
regarding H1N1 influenza, previously referred to as swine flu.
Helpful information remains available from many other sources, including the
CDC (US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
www.cdc.gov ) and County Health & Human Services Department (HHS
-
www.sdcounty.ca.gov/Portal/News/swineflu.html), and updates are
available via our district and college websites (www.gcccd.edu
).
Although San Diego County is seeing some additional cases of individuals
with H1N1 virus, we have had no confirmed cases within the
Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District. Previously closed schools in
the San Diego area have been reopened, and the CDC is no longer calling for
immediate closure when H1N1 is confirmed in a school /college. CDC and
County HHS staff continue tracking infections, but they suggest that the
risk of serious illness or death from this flu strain is lower than first
thought. Still, health officials predict that H1N1 flu may reemerge during
the fall flu season as a stronger strain, so our readiness to deal with an
outbreak is important.
Upon
the first news of this flu, emergency response staff across our district
moved immediately to action to help prepare for, protect against, and
monitor our risk for spread of influenza infection. Here’s a sampling of
what has been going on behind the scenes to help protect our students and
employees:
-
Activation of Pandemic Response Team
with monitoring and communication strategies
-
Distribution of multiple communiqués and
influenza information on district/college websites
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Increased supplies and assessments in
colleges’ Health Services offices
-
Monitoring of student/employee absences
and suspected cases
-
Coordination with County Health Office
-
Cleaning with hospital-grade cleansers,
distribution of hand sanitizers (with more on order)
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Planning for class operations, grade
transmission, and other aspects of college recovery in the event
of a pandemic closure
We
are continuing to monitor flu reports and to counsel students and staff
through our Health Services offices at both colleges. If you have symptoms
of high fever, aches, nausea and dizziness, you should seek assessment,
whether from our health services or your own health provider, and you should
stay home and avoid contact with others. We all need to practice common
sense habits most effective in preventing the spread of disease. Yes,
again….soap and water are your best friends: wash your hands!
Thank you for your patience, cooperation and suggestions. As new
information becomes available, we will keep you posted. Stay healthy!
Sincerely,
Cindy
L Miles
Cindy L. Miles, Ph.D.,
Chancellor
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