To: UHCL Faculty, Staff and Students
University of Houston-Clear Lake continues to operate under normal conditions; however, official reports regarding the spread of the swine influenza virus are being monitored.
UH-Clear Lake places the highest priority on the safety and health of its faculty, staff and students. UHCL Emergency Response Team members are meeting regularly to assess the situation and its possible effects on the university. The UHCL Police Department and the Office of Risk Management are also participating in daily teleconferences with city, county and state officials.
No cases have been reported of anyone in or near the university community having contracted the virus, so there is no cause for alarm; however, individuals can and should take preventive measures.
To protect yourself, avoid close contact with people who are sick with symptoms of coughing and sneezing, wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, and practice good health habits. If you experience flu-like symptoms such as high fever, coughing and/or sore throat, avoid contact with others and call your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
If you or someone in your household contracts the swine flu or experiences its symptoms, it's important to stay away from work, school or crowds. If you or anyone in your household is diagnosed with the swine flu, please alert the UHCL Health Center to ensure appropriate measures can be taken to help prevent the infection from spreading to others in the university community. Your identity and personal information will be kept confidential.
Recognizing the diverse range of personal circumstances faced by individuals, UHCL urges faculty, staff and students to make decisions in the best interest for themselves, family members, coworkers and others. Employees who are unable to report for regularly scheduled work hours should coordinate applicable leave with their direct supervisors. Students who are unable to attend scheduled classes should coordinate missed sessions with their professors.
Decisions regarding UHCL's status will fall in line with those of the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as well as city, county and state health departments. It is vital that everyone stay abreast of the latest news and information on this outbreak of influenza. Please take time to track updates and announcements from WHO at www.who.int, CDC at www.cdc.gov/swineflu/ and the Texas Department of State Health Services at www.dshs.state.tx.us/. These Web sites offer in-depth information about the virus; however, if you have additional questions, contact the UHCL Health Center at 281-283-2626.
UHCL updates will be sent via e-mail and posted on the UHCL Homepage at www.uhcl.edu, and the UHCL Emergency Information Web site at www.UHCLemergency.info.
William A. Staples
President
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