As staff and students may be aware the World Health Organisation raised the pandemic influenza alert level yesterday evening (Monday 27 April), to Level 4 following the outbreak in Mexico.
This does not denote a pandemic (which would be Level 6) and there is no reason for undue concern at this stage.
However, with the situation evolving rapidly (including two confirmed cases in Scotland this morning), it does signify an increased risk that there might be a flu pandemic.
The University has a pandemic flu plan and its Emergency Management Team will be monitoring the situation closely over the coming days.
We will obviously provide further advice if the alert is raised.
In the meantime, staff and students are asked to follow the Foreign Office advice not to travel to Mexico at this time.
The advice from the Department of Health for those who have recently returned from Mexico, or one of the affected countries, and have flu like symptoms is to:
- Stay at home and avoid contact with others.
- Call your GP or NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or visit the NHS website for advice.
- Do not attend a GP surgery as if you are infected it may cause the spread of the disease.
To help minimise any risk normal hygiene precautions should be followed such as:
- Covering your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, using a tissue when possible.
- Disposing of dirty tissues promptly and carefully.
- Washing hands frequently with soap and water to reduce the spread of the virus from your hands to face or to other people.
Further information and advice about Swine Flu can be obtained from the Health Protection Agency website.