Avian Flu/Influenza Pandemic Planning

Updated May 2007

The EAP Universitywide Office makes every reasonable effort to foster and promote a safe environment for students, faculty, and staff, and to offer reliable information to EAP students and their parents regarding relevant health precautions and potential risks. In this regard, EAP has been closely monitoring Avian Influenza A (H5N1), or "bird flu," since late 2003 through CDC (U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), the WHO (World Health Organization), the U.S. Department of State, and worldwide health agencies, in addition to host university, UC Study Centers, and host country resources. We also work closely with the University of California Student Health Services and the Office of the President to provide current information to students, as conditions require.

All EAP programs are proceeding normally, with the expectation that the current Avian Flu situation will remain contained. Since January 2004, outbreaks of H5N1 (Avian Flu or bird flu) in animals have been confirmed in Africa, Asia, and Europe. Avian Flu among humans, who were in close and direct contact with sick or dying animals, has been confirmed in Azerbaijan, Cambodia, China, Djibouti, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Nigeria, Thailand, Turkey and Vietnam.

Currently, it is not known if Avian Flu, or any other infectious disease, will become a significant world health threat. CDC remains in communication with WHO and local health agencies and ministries and monitors the disease worldwide. According to the World Health Organization, while the number of outbreaks in birds continues to increase, the transmission of H5N1 to humans remains sporadic and there is currently no evidence of efficient human-to-human transmission. At present, the CDC has not recommended that the general public avoid travel to any of the countries affected by H5N1.

Please do not hesitate to contact the EAP Universitywide Office, if you have any questions or concerns.

Avian Flu/Influenza Pandemic Planning

University of California Avian Influenza Information and Influenza Pandemic Planning