Dear Members of the Campus Community:

Avian influenza (subtype H5N1), also known as the "bird flu," is an issue receiving much attention worldwide as confirmed cases of bird-to-human transmission have been reported in Asia. Scientists, public health authorities and government officials have expressed concern over a future pandemic if the virus becomes transmissible from human to human. As a result, world health organizations, U.S. health organizations and many institutions are making preparations in the event an outbreak among humans occurs, and La Sierra University is among them.

Our Risk Management & ADA Department has developed an emergency response plan in collaboration with several other areas of campus, including Administration and Campus Security.  We are ensuring that on-campus health care providers and first responders are prepared to respond by providing ongoing education about the avian influenza, affirming emergency protocols, and having medical supplies and equipment readily available.

We are also following the latest developments by monitoring the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Web sites, maintaining an open line of communication with the Riverside County Health Department, and benchmarking the activities of other colleges and universities.

Finally, we realize that you may have questions about avian influenza. To help answer some of those questions, we have prepared the following list of frequently asked questions and answers for your edification.  All communication must go through the Office of University Relations.

You can also learn more about avian influenza and the pandemic threat at the following Web sites:

Pandemic Preparedness for the Community
http://www.pandemicflu.gov/plan/community/community_mitigation.pdf
(PDF file)

World Health Organization
http://www.who.int/csr/disease/avian_influenza/en/index.html

Centers for Disease Control
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avian/

Department of Health and Human Services
http://pandemicflu.gov/

If necessary, updates and announcements will be distributed via email from the Office of University Relations and the subject line will read "Avian Flu Update." All updates will also be posted to the University website at http://www.lasierra.edu  

Rest assured that we are taking proactive measures to be prepared in case the avian flu affects our campus community. Thank you for your attention.

Sincerely,

La Sierra University  
Administration