mvnucougars « MVNU Crisis

swineflu Dear campus community,

As many are aware, there have been cases of influenza A(H1N1) virus, popularly known as swine flu, detected throughout the United States. On April 26, the federal government declared a public health emergency after several cases of swine flu were confirmed in the United States. It is expected that more cases will be confirmed in the coming days. There has been one confirmed case in northern Ohio so far.

MVNU, along with public agencies across the country, has been preparing for the potential of a pandemic for a number of years. Although the swine flu has not been declared a pandemic, there are plans and procedures in place to ensure an effective response.

With that backdrop, we wanted to report to you today on the steps being taken at MVNU that we believe will help safeguard the health of all members of the University community.

No cases of swine flu have been reported at MVNU. No changes to University operations or activities are currently planned as a result of swine flu.
It is important to note that University leaders, health services and emergency management personnel have met to plan the University’s response now and in the future if circumstances change. MVNU will follow the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other appropriate agencies in the University’s response to this issue.
The University is raising awareness to students, faculty, and staff through e-mail messages. Conversations are occurring in dorm/apartment meetings, and e-mail messages are going out to commuter students.
The University will continue to monitor the situation on a daily basis and will keep the MVNU community informed. Any students, faculty, or staff planning foreign travel in the near future are advised to consult the International SOS web page on the issue.
Facilities Services is making sure that extra cleaning is taking place on campus around high contact items such as door handles, computers, desks, bathrooms, offices, etc. Proper cleaning supplies are being used that will kill the bacteria.
Human Resources sent out an e-mail on Thursday stating that public health officials strongly advise any individuals with a fever or any other symptoms to take preventive measure by staying home from work if they are sick.
Student Development and other departments are receiving daily updates that will be shared with the campus community when any changes take place on campus, within our county, our state, or when the need arises.
We are asking faculty and staff who might be experiencing flu-like symptoms — a fever of 100 F (37.8 C) or higher, running nose, cough, respiratory congestion —to stay home from work or school to keep from making others ill.
If a student, faculty, or staff member is infected with the swine flu, notification will be sent out campus-wide. If a student in a dorm or apartment is infected, that student will be asked to go home as soon as possible. If they are unable to go home immediately, the University is prepared to have a “quarantine” area available for the student. A thorough cleaning will be performed for any area that is infected.
The Academic Affairs Office is requesting assistance from faculty to reinforce to students the good health practices that will minimize individual susceptibility to the H1N1 virus. Faculty will be given key teaching points.
MVNU’s Health Services Coordinator and Vice President for Student Development will be attending an informational meeting at Knox County Health Department on Friday, May 1, to receive any up-to-date information for Knox County prior to the weekend.