4 May 2009
Dear Parents:
Given the present concern regarding the recent influenza outbreak, I wanted to provide you with information regarding the steps the University is taking to respond in the event of an emergency situation.
Although we haven't yet had any confirmed cases of the H1N1 virus (swine flu) on campus, we have been addressing during the past week the possibility of some students getting the flu and have developed a variety of contingency plans based on the severity of any situation that may arise. As always, the safety and well being of all members of the University community - students, staff, and faculty - are our primary concern. Over the weekend the Santa Clara County Public Health Department (Health Department) expanded the criteria under which individuals with suspicious symptoms should be tested. So far, five Santa Clara students experienced these symptoms today and have agreed voluntarily to comply with Health Department and University protocol to self-isolate themselves pending the results of tests for H1N1. In accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations, the four students who live on campus have been relocated temporarily to a private unit while recovering. The Cowell Student Health Center (CSHC) will provide them with medical support throughout the recovery period, and University Dining Services will deliver meals to these affected students. The fifth student will be isolated at home. Faculty of these students have been contacted to help them keep up with their academic work.
The University is working with Health Department officials, who will conduct further testing to determine whether these suspected cases are H1N1. As of this writing, the Health Department has not recommended any further action on the part of the University.
The University has limited facilities for the isolation of students with suspicious symptoms. Should your student contact you needing isolation, please consider the option of isolating them at home, if local, or contacting the Housing Office (408-554-4900) regarding available campus solutions.
We continue to work closely with the Health Department to keep us apprised of the latest developments. Our Emergency Operations Committee (EOC) is meeting regularly to discuss steps the University would take to inform and protect members of our community should the situation escalate further. Updated information regarding the H1N1 virus and links to informative flu-related sites are posted on our web site, www.scu.edu, and basic facts and daily updates about the flu are provided at the CSHC site www.scu.edu/cshc. Students experiencing flu symptoms have been instructed to contact CSHC.
Lastly, please urge your sons and daughters to sign up for Connect-Ed, the University?s emergency alert system if they haven?t already done so, by signing into ecampus on the SCU web site. This system will be used to communicate with the campus community if an emergency situation occurs.
Any questions about the University?s response to the flu outbreak should be directed to the Office of Student Life (408-554-4583).
Sincerely,
Michael E. Engh, S.J.
President
May. 5, 2009
