Avian Influenza Pandemic Plan for UCI  

Background:

Avian influenza (flu) is an infection caused by viruses naturally occurring among birds. Avian flu is very contagious among birds and can infect domesticated birds including chickens, ducks, and turkeys, resulting in their possible sickness and death. These viruses do not usually infect humans. However, confirmed cases of avian flu human infection have occurred since 1997. These cases occurred when people had very close contact with infected domesticated birds.

It is difficult to predict when and how severe the next pandemic will be. The World Health Organization (W.H.O.) maintains cumulative reports of human cases of avian influenza A (H5N1).

Prevention:

The most important step that you can take to protect yourself and your family from avian flu is to follow good respiratory etiquette . While no vaccine is available yet to protect people from the H5N1 avian flu virus, getting a flu vaccine each year when obtainable in the Fall is one of the most effective ways to minimize suffering and death from seasonal influenza.

Employee Guide to Avian Influenza Prevention in the Workplace

Campus Preparedness:

Campus leaders are formulating a plan to limit the spread of avian flu in the event of a pandemic.  The Campus Pandemic Planning Committee meets regularly and is working closely with the Orange County Health Care Agency to coordinate efforts in the development of the Campus Pandemic Response Plan.

One of the key concepts in our planning is social distancing. Social distancing involves suspending classes and other public gatherings to help prevent person-to-person spread of the flu. We are asking campus entities to brainstorm and create innovative ways to continue their teaching, research, and other essential operations without (or minimizing) coming to class or work. To help you:

• Academic and Business Continuity template
• "Social Distancing" message from Chancellor Drake and Vice Chancellor Brase

Status of current response activities will be communicated to everyone on campus through Zot Mail and also posted on this website as implemented. Pandemic planning efforts will coordinate with Campus Emergency Management.

More information on Avian Flu:

• Individuals & Family Planning Information
• Orange County Eye on Influenza Newsletter
• California Department of Health Services Response Plan
• CDC information page “What You Should Know”
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services avian and pandemic flu information
• World Health Organization