University News
WIU Statement: Swine Flu Outbreak
April 27, 2009
MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – Western Illinois University officials, taking into consideration a recent travel health precaution issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding Swine Flu (http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentSwineFluMexico.aspx)are urging WIU students, faculty and staff to review health-related information prior to traveling to Mexico.
According to Mary Margaret Harris, director of Western's Beu Health Center, as of 1:30 p.m. today (April 27), the CDC has not recommended that people avoid travel to Mexico.
"We will continue to assess the situation and monitor the CDC's recommendations. We will update students, faculty and staff, including WIU's Center for International Studies, as we receive new information," Harris added. "During the school year, we routinely perform influenza surveillance. Given the current outbreak, if an individual comes to the health center with flu-like symptoms, Beu's healthcare providers will ask a series of questions to determine if the illness is perhaps related to Swine Flu."
Western currently has three study abroad trips to Mexico scheduled. The first trip will be held May 18-June 18, while the other trips will take place in mid-June, July and August.
For more information, visit the World Health Organization at http://www.who.int/csr/don/2009_04_24/en/index.html.
Posted By: Darcie Shinberger (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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