NEWS ALERT: AVIAN FLU UPDATE

Dear Members of the Campus Community,

A confirmed case (or Confirmed cases) of avian influenza has (or have) been reported on campus and the university's emergency response plan is being implemented. On-campus health care providers and first responders are activating emergency protocols and medical supplies and equipment are being utilized.

Individuals that are ill, as well as those who have been in close contact with these individuals, are being quarantined and treated on campus to prevent further outbreak.

In addition, all classes and activities have been canceled and all offices have been closed pending further notice. Only essential university personnel should report to work at this time. Supervisors should notify staff of their responsibilities during this period of suspended operations.

We ask you to be vigilant about your health and wellbeing. If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms or you believe you have been exposed to the avian influenza call the Carnegie Mellon Avian Influenza Hotline at (800.123.4567).

Further updates will be distributed via email, www.cmu.edu, the official.cmu-news and cmu.misc.news electronic bulletin boards and on the main university phone line at 412-268-2000.

Questions should be directed to Carnegie Mellon's Avian Influenza Hotline (800-123-4567) or to cm-today@andrew.cmu.edu.

We are continuing to follow the latest developments by monitoring the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Web sites and maintaining an open line of communication with the Allegheny County Health Department. We encourage you to keep informed as well by linking to these following sites:

World Health Organization
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/en/index.html

Centers for Disease Control
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/

Department of Health and Human Services
http://pandemicflu.gov/

Finally, rest assured, we are doing everything in our power to care for those who have been affected and to prevent the illness from spreading further. We are also making every effort to provide the campus community with up-to-date information you need to keep safe and secure.

Sincerely.

Anita Barkin
Director of Student Health Service

Madelyn Miller
Director of Environmental Health and Safety

January 11, 2006