Tarleton prepared for influenza threat

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 3, 2009

STEPHENVILLE—Tarleton officials are actively monitoring information related to all potential flu strains, including the H1N1 flu virus, commonly known as swine flu.

There are no confirmed cases of the virus on campus. No changes to university operations or activities are currently planned as a result of swine flu.

A campus-wide task force of university officials has response plans in place in the event of an outbreak on campus. The Crisis Management Committee has based its response on guidance from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the Texas Department of State Health Services.

“As you may know, flu can be spread easily from person to person. Therefore, we are taking steps to prevent the spread of flu at Tarleton for as long as possible, but, we need your help to accomplish this,” said Rusty Jergins, associate vice president of Student Life and dean of students.

The university is aggressively communicating with students, faculty and staff about steps to diminish vulnerability to the flu. Tarleton personnel have placed hand sanitizers in high traffic areas around campus and environmental services have increased sanitation efforts.

Campus members are encouraged to practice good hygiene including covering your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when you cough or sneeze, washing hands often and avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

Students, faculty and staff who experience flu-like symptoms have been encouraged to seek medical attention from Tarleton’s Student Health Center or a health care provider.

Texas state health officials have stockpiled enough anti-viral medication to treat about 2.5 million flu sufferers, and the first shipments of vaccinations for both the H1N1 virus and seasonal flu will be available by mid-October. Seasonal flu vaccinations are now available.

“We are working closely to monitor flu conditions and making decisions about the best steps to take concerning our institution,” Jergins said. “We will keep you updated with new information as it becomes available to us.”

Updates will become available as issues with swine flu arise on campus at www.tarleton.edu/fluinfo. Preventative tips and measures also can be found on the Web site.

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