July 23, 2009

In recent weeks, UC Irvine Healthcare has seen an significant increase in cases of Influenza A (probable H1N1 influenza). As of July 15, Orange County health officials report 494 confirmed cases of H1N1, with 29 hospitalizations and 5 deaths, including one pregnant woman. Pregnant women and infants are considered at high risk for complications from the infection.

Environmental Health & Safety continues to monitor the situation to be prepared to take steps as necessary. The World Health Organization has upgraded the outbreak to Phase 6 indicating sustained community outbreaks in at least 2 of the 6 WHO world wide regions. There is no change in behavior or severity of the flu.

It is expected the H1N1 flu will continue into the fall, along with seasonal influenza. Symptoms of H1N1 flu include fever above 100.4 Fahrenheit, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control & Prevention recommend taking the following precautions to prevent spreading the flu:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners also are effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
• Avoid close contact with sick people. Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing by infected people.

Campus Updates:

• Message to employees from Student Health Medical Director Alice Wong and Environmental Health & Safety Director Marc Gomez 7.23.09
• Message to employees from Vice Chancellor Wendell Brase 5.6.09
• Message to students from Vice Chancellor Manuel Gómez 5.6.09
• Message from Chancellor Michael Drake 4.27.09