With these periodic messages, I want to keep you apprised of our
situation regarding H1N1 influenza, previously referred to as
swine flu. Helpful information remains available from many other
sources, including the CDC (US
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov )
andCounty Health & Human Services Department (HHS
-www.sdcounty.ca.gov/Portal/News/swineflu.html),
and updates are available via our district
and college websites (www.gcccd.edu ).
Although San Diego County is seeing some additional cases of
individuals with H1N1 virus, we have had no confirmed
cases within the
Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District. Previously closed
schools in the San Diego area have been reopened, and the CDC is no
longer calling for immediate closure when H1N1 is confirmed in a
school /college. CDC and County HHS staff continue tracking
infections, but they suggest that the risk of serious illness or
death from this flu strain is lower than first thought. Still,
health officials predict that H1N1 flu may reemerge during the fall
flu season as a stronger strain, so our readiness to deal with an
outbreak is important.
Upon the first news of this flu, emergency response staff across our
district moved immediately to action to help prepare for, protect
against, and monitor our risk for spread of influenza infection.
Here’s a sampling of what has been going on behind the scenes to
help protect our students and employees:
-
Activation of Pandemic Response Team with monitoring and
communication strategies
-
Distribution of multiple communiqués and influenza information
on district/college websites
-
Increased supplies and assessments in colleges’ Health Services
offices
-
Monitoring of student/employee absences and suspected cases
-
Coordination with County Health Office
-
Cleaning with hospital-grade cleansers, distribution of hand
sanitizers (with more on order)
-
Planning for class operations, grade transmission, and
other aspects of college recovery in
the event of a pandemic closure
We are continuing to monitor flu reports and to counsel students and
staff through our Health Services offices at both colleges. If you
have symptoms of high fever, aches, nausea and dizziness, you should
seek assessment, whether from our health services or your own health
provider, and you should stay home and avoid contact with others.
We all need to practice common sense habits most effective in
preventing the spread of disease. Yes, again….soap and water are
your best friends: wash
your hands!
Thank you for your patience, cooperation and suggestions. As new
information becomes available, we will keep you posted. Stay
healthy!
Sincerely,
Cindy L. Miles, Ph.D.
Chancellor
