The Catholic University of America

HEALTH & SAFETY NEWS

3/14/10  US State Department issues Travel Warning to Mexico

 

 

2/28/10 Earthquake in Chile

Please view latest information on the earthquake and its aftermath as well as advice for Americans. Read more on the US Department of State alert here.

CUAbroad confirmed that no CUA students were in Chile during the earthquake but two students were about to depart for neighboring Argentina.  The Center for Global Education contacted the two students and, working with its partner, IES Abroad, learned that both of them safely arrived at their destination in Buenos Aires. To monitor the situation at the IES Chile program site, please visit IES Abroad.

CUAbroad continues to work together with IES Abroad and receives frequent updates from the US Department of State as well as OSAC. 

Americas - Mexico
Consular Affairs Bulletins
The Department of State has issued this Travel Warning to inform U.S. citizenstraveling to and living in Mexico of concerns about the security situation in Mexico, and that it has authorized the departure of the dependents of U.S. government personnel from U.S. consulates in the Northern Mexican border cities of Tijuana, Nogales, Ciudad Juarez, Nuevo Laredo, Monterrey and Matamoros until April 12. more...
 

Health & Safety Issues in Education Abroad

 CUAbroad Information about the H1N1 Virus

Since its outbreak in April 2009, CUAbroad continues to monitor the H1N1 influenza situation as it evolves worldwide. While our staff members are constantly reviewing updates on this situation, we encourage students, parents, CUA faculty and staff planning to travel abroad to stay informed as well. 
Please view the CUAbroad statement on H1N1 Influenza and Education Abroad about the flu’s impact on our programs abroad. You will also find links to important web sites with information on how to stay informed and stay healthy. 
 

CUAbroad Statement on H1N1 Virus 

The H1N1 virus, commonly known as the swine flu, has been in the news since April 2009 and the outbreak of cases continues to grow worldwide. Because this influenza virus is easily spread, Dr. Margaret Chan, the Director-General of the World Health Organization raised the WHO’s pandemic alert level from phase 5 to phase 6. The change occurred because the scientific criteria for an influenza pandemic has been met, based on the spread of H1N1 influenza A to many countries around the word. 
According to the WHO, the overall severity of the pandemic is moderate: most individuals recover from the infection without the need for hospitalization. Overall levels of serious illness appear similar to seasonal influenza, and hospitals and health care systems have been able to accommodate people seeking care. The WHO continues to recommend no restrictions on travel and no border closures.
Federal, state and local governments as well as educational institutions such as CUA are monitoring the news about the virus and are disseminating advice on ways to prevent the spread of the flu and to devise protocols to implement should that become necessary. 
CUAbroad continues to: 
·         Provide updated travel and health information and resources to students interested in studying abroad and to faculty and staff who plan to travel abroad. 
·         Maintain regular contact with affiliated institutions and educational program providers as well as individual students on approved non-CUA programs. It exchanges information with institutional partners and students on an ongoing basis.
·         Require and ensure that students obtain adequate health insurance that is valid in the host country and region.
·         Provide mandatory emergency evacuation coverage at no additional costs to all program participants as well as faculty and staff on an ongoing basis. 
·         Advise students to obtain trip cancellation insurance and strongly encourage students to purchase local mobile phones following arrival at the host institution. 
·         Provide pre-departure orientation materials, meetings, and resources on the web that contain advice on resources regarding health and safety.

Strongly encourage students to take responsibility for their own health and well being, monitor their health, and avoid behaviors that may increase the possibility of becoming sick.


 Advice Concerning H1N1 Virus

Stay Healthy and Be Prepared
(Adapted from IES Abroad)

Your health and safety is CUAbroad’s highest priority. We have compiled the following list to help you safeguard your health during the flu season.
1.       Take Care of Yourself. Eat right, stay hydrated, get enough sleep, and exercise—all of this aids in keeping your immune system strong. If you do get sick, avoid caffeine, alcohol, smoking and dairy products when trying to get well (or stay well).
2.       Keep Hands Clean. Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer frequently, especially after using public transportation and before eating.
3.       Clean your Living Area. Use disinfectant wipes to regularly clean surfaces in your living area, such as doorknobs, handles, and your keyboard.
4.       Use Tissues. Always carry tissues with you and use a tissue to cover your mouth and nose whenever you sneeze or cough. Throw the tissues away in a trash can after use.
5.       Prepare a “Self-Care Kit.” Collect the following items to have on hand in case you start to feel unwell:
·         Ibuprofen or acetaminophen for reducing fever and relieving aches/pain, sore throat, and headache
·         Guafenesin/expectorant (possibly with cough suppressant) for head and chest congestion or cough. Honey also works well as an expectorant.
·         Saline/sinus sprays or washes (neti pots) for head congestion and sinus symptoms
·         Decongestant for runny nose
·         Menthol/eucalyptus topical ointment for congestion and body aches
·         Table salt for warm salt-water gargles and lozenges to relieve sore throat
·         Non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated, clear liquid beverages for hydration such as bottled water, ginger ale, herbal tea (ginger, chamomile) chicken broth, gelatin, or frozen popsicles
·         Light foods such as crackers, pretzels, toast, white rice, applesauce, or dry cereal
·         Tissues
6.       Stay Informed. View the websites listed below for up-to-date information about H1N1
7.    Protect Yourself. Get a seasonal flu shot. This will not protect you from H1N1, but if you do happen to catch the flu, the symptoms usually aren’t as severe for those who have received a flu shot.
What are the symptoms of H1N1?

Symptoms are similar to those of a regular flu and may include high fever, headache and/or body aches, lethargy, coughing, sore throat, congestion, diarrhea and/or vomiting.
What to Do if You’re Feeling Sick
1.       If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms and are concerned that you may have the H1N1 or the seasonal flu, please contact your on-site program staff immediately—especially if you are running a fever.

2.       If are sick, you should not go to the Center, classes, or travel.  Also, we recommend that you avoid crowded places to the extent that is practical.
3.       Keep your cell phone with you, charged, and turned on at all times in order to receive emergency information or to be able to contact staff or friends for assistance.
4.      If anyone in your homestay, apartment, or residence hall falls ill with H1N1, let the on-site staff know as soon as possible. Our established protocols are in place to provide support.
 

Resources Concerning H1N1 Virus 

 

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