UW-Green Bay monitoring Swine Flu situation

(Editor’s Note: For the latest information about the Swine Flu situation, visit the campus emergency website: http://emergency.uwgb.edu)

With the recent outbreak and spread of Swine Flu, we know that UW-Green Bay faculty, staff, students and their parents are concerned about the well being of the campus community.

Members of the UW-Green Bay Emergency Management team are preparing for the possible spread of Swine Flu should it reach our state or our region. As of this time (2 p.m., Tuesday, April 28) the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have NOT reported any confirmed cases of Swine Flu in Wisconsin.

Currently, there is no evidence that Swine Flu has affected anyone on campus, and there are no changes to on-campus University operations or activities as a result of the virus.

If a health emergency occurs on campus, information and instructions will be posted on the University’s Emergency Information website: http://emergency.uwgb.edu

Additionally, UW-Green Bay follows the guidance of local, state and national health agencies—such as the CDC and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services—to receive information, react to this developing situation and make decisions regarding changes to normal University activities.

On April 27, the CDC recommended that all “non-essential travel to Mexico” be avoided. As a result, the University has indefinitely postponed all study-abroad courses to Mexico for students and faculty members.

At this time, travel courses to other countries are continuing as planned. University officials will monitor the situation and may make changes based on advisories from state and federal agencies regarding international travel.

Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people. There are many things individuals can to do to prevent getting and spreading influenza:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

Any member of the campus community who is feeling ill should stay home and rest and limit contact with others to help reduce further infections.

For additional updates on the Swine Flu investigation, visit the Centers for Disease Control website, or the Wisconsin Pandemic Flu Resource website.

A Frequently Asked Questions guide about Swine Flu can be seen here.

###