4 May 2009

TO:        Campus Community

FROM:    G. M. Dennison, President  

SUBJECT:    H1N1 Issues

As most people know, the H1N1 strain of influenza has appeared in several states and countries.  We continue to monitor the situation closely to determine if or when we need to implement additional measures to deal with the health dangers in Montana and will remain alert for the duration of the potential threat.  At present, we believe the procedures recently promulgated will suffice to protect people.

On 1 May, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released recommendations for colleges and universities related to H1N1.  The University of Montana has implemented all of those recommendations. The measures focus on preparedness.  Adequate preparation and precautions represent simply the right things to do.  No confirmed cases of H1N1 have occurred in Montana to date. Based on the counsel received from medical and public health officials, we do not anticipate any need for the University to cancel public events or classes, or to bring home students, faculty, or staff presently situated in states or countries reporting confirmed cases.  However, I must emphasize that we will monitor every situation closely and take action promptly if conditions change for the worse.

For a number of years, The University of Montana has actively participated in Missoula’s countywide pandemic influenza planning process, led by the Missoula City-County Health Department.  I submit that we have seen very clearly now the value of such planning and our participation.  The University’s Incident Response Team will continue to meet on a regular basis to assure a measured, coordinated institutional response to the persisting challenge.  Jim Lemcke, Director of Public Safety, leads the Team and remains in daily contact with the Missoula City-County Health Department Health Emergency Advisory Team (HEAT) to ensure up-to-date, concise information.  Dr. David Bell, Director of Curry Health Center (CHC), serves as a member of both HEAT and the University Team.  As a further precaution, CHC collaborates actively with the Missoula City-County Health Department and other Missoula health care providers in a community-wide surveillance effort.

I encourage everyone to monitor his or her own personal health and seek medical evaluation in the event of flu-like symptoms.  Generally, the H1N1 virus requires 2 to 4 days for incubation.  Anyone contracting the illness will develop flu symptoms within that timeframe.  Any students feeling ill from flu or something similar should contact Curry Health Center (243-4330) for an immediate evaluation.  Faculty and staff should contact their personal health care providers immediately upon noticing the symptoms.  Finally, public health offices and medical personnel emphasize that traditional illness prevention methods—such as frequently washing hands, using hand sanitizer lotions, and covering coughs and sneezes with hands, arms, or sleeves—offer the best means to reduce the potential spread of all respiratory illnesses.

Both the UM home page and CHC home page will provide current information about the H1N1 virus, including links to sites for developing information.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintain a particularly helpful and informative site at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/.  Finally, anyone planning international travel should check with the U.S. Department of State for the most up-to-date travel advisories at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/notices.aspx.  As the situation evolves, we will update the University community as appropriate.

Thank you very much for your attention to this information and for all you can do to assure that we maintain a healthy community on the campus.

GMD/kc
Denmem2496