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 Update #4 – H1N1 Influenza AWorld Health Organization Moves to Phase 6 of Pandemic MonitoringJune 12, 2009 On June 11, 2009 the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a phase six, Pandemic of H1N1 influenza. In doing so the WHO emphasized three points:
The pandemic levels strictly reflect geographic spread and not severity. In practical terms, Canada has been operating at a phase six since early May when it activated its Pandemic Influenza Plan. Media reports state that health authorities are reporting 3,047 confirmed cases of H1N1 influenza in Canada. As of today, there are still no confirmed cases in the Peterborough area. Practical Precautions Members of the Trent community are reminded of the importance of precautionary measures (frequent hand washing, sneeze/cough etiquette, avoiding ill people, staying home or seeking medical attention if ill). The University continues to monitor the situation and is in communication with the Peterborough County City Health Unit on an as needed basis. The University’s operations are continuing as per normal schedules. Please continue to check MyTrent for further updates.
Update #3 – H1N1 Influenza AThe Office of Risk Management Tuesday, May 19, 2009 Through the Risk Management Office and Student Health Services, Trent University is continuing to monitor activity related to the H1N1 Influenza A virus that has affected predominately Mexico, Canada and the United States. From a Canadian perspective, H1N1 Influenza A cases to date have been mild. There has been one death in Alberta that may have been attributable to H1N1 Influenza A. As of today there have been 520 confirmed cases in Canada. The median age of infected persons is 22. There are still no confirmed cases in the Peterborough area. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), the epidemic curve indicates the first wave of the outbreak may have peaked in Canada; however, the World Health Organization reminds us that viral mutations are possible which may cause a second wave of influenza infections. As such, the University is continuing to monitor the situation and encourages all staff to continue taking preventative measures such as:
The World Health Organization has continued to place this pandemic at phase five alert but the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) and PHAC have lifted travel advisories as of May 18 so travel restrictions are no longer recommended. DFAIT still recommends that travellers exercise a high degree of caution while visiting Mexico. Please continue to check MyTrent for further updates.
Update #2 – H1N1 Influenza AThe Office of Risk Management Thursday, April 30, 2009 On April 29, 2009 the World Health Organization (WHO) increased the pandemic alert for H1N1 Influenza A to phase five. A phase five alert indicates significant human-to-human transmission in at least two countries in a WHO region. To date, most cases of human influenza outside of Mexico, including those in Canada, have been mild and most people who have been infected have recovered or are currently recovering. Some media reports issued today stated that the number of confirmed cases of H1N1 Influenza A in Canada now exceeds 27 individuals. There are no reports of cases in the Peterborough area at this time. Trent University has convened its Pandemic Management Team to ensure the university is appropriately prepared should the outbreak affect the Peterborough area. This precautionary step is being undertaken by many universities. A message from the Trent University Counselling Centre: Taking Care During a Public Health Emergency - Coping with our emotions during times of uncertainty It is natural to be upset when you think that your health – or the health of your loved ones – may be threatened. Anxiety is related to the fear of the unknown and it is normal to feel anxious and worried about contracting disease. In the face of uncertainty about health risks, it is important to keep the extent of the danger in perspective. The vast majority of us are not in danger and should go about our daily routine taking reasonable precautions. Pay attention to your own feelings and be aware how stress affects you. You can then be better prepared to help friends and family members handle their own concerns. Here are some ways you can cope with stress and anxiety:
All students and employees are encouraged to educate themselves on this issue and to take the appropriate precautions to protect themselves from infection. To help the public learn more about H1N1 Influenza A, the federal government has set up a hotline at 1-800-454-8302, and websites at:
The government of Ontario is publishing updates from the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care at: The Peterborough County City Health Unit’s web site Other useful websites include: The University will continue to provide updates on a regular basis as warranted. Posted April 30, 2009 Update #1 – A-H1N1 InfluenzaThe Office of Risk Management Wednesday, April 29, 2009 This update is the first in a series of communications on the status of the outbreak of A-H1N1 in Mexico and in several countries around the world, including the USA and Canada. The University, through the Risk Management Office and Student Health Services, is in on-going contact with the Peterborough County City Health Unit. In addition, administration is making use of resources available through the Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization to assess the steps we are taking to safeguard the health of the campus community. What you can do to protect yourself from influenza? There are a number of straightforward actions you can take now and in the days and weeks ahead to safeguard your health: 1) Obtain medical help if you have a concern - Should you develop symptoms consistent with an influenza-like illness (nasal congestion, sore throat, cough, body aches, fatigue and fever over 100F) - and most especially if you have recently travelled to an area experiencing an outbreak of this illness, please call Student Health Services at 748-1481 (Summer Hours Mon and Wed only) to seek advice, or call Telehealth Ontario at 1-8660797-000. Faculty and staff should contact their family doctor. 2) Stay calm – The illness caused by this virus has been mild outside of Mexico, and we are fortunate to have access to a well developed and highly capable public health infrastructure. 3) Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face – This simple action makes it much harder for all viruses to spread from person to person. Using a hand sanitizer or washing your hands with soap and water for 15 seconds is an extremely effective way to safeguard your health. 4) Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your arm (not your hands), and then dispose of the tissue and wash your hands. 5) Stay home if you are ill - This is an item of personal responsibility which is very effective in minimizing the spread of this (and all) viruses. If you should develop symptoms that are compatible with influenza, contact Student Health, Telehealth or your family doctor for advice. Stay at home (or in your room) and away from public gatherings including classes, University offices, dining halls, concerts, etc. 6) Pay attention to information sent to the University community about influenza – Trent will endeavour to keep you informed in a timely way about developments and any actions the University takes in response to the influenza outbreak. The Public Health Agency of Canada has also established an information line available from 0800 to 2000 EST at 1-800-454-8302. What do we know as of this week? Effective April 27, 2009 the World Health Organization increased the pandemic alert level to four from three i.e. human-to-human transmission that is sufficient to sustain community level outbreaks. On April 28, 2009 the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and the Public Health Agency of Canada issued a travel warning recommending that elective or non-essential travel to Mexico be postponed indefinitely. On April 29, 2009 the U.S. government announce its first death from A-H1N1 flu – a 23 month old child in Texas. This strain of influenza was first identified in Mexico and has now been detected in the US, Britain, Spain and Canada (13 confirmed cases as of April 29; three in BC, two in Alberta, four in Ontario and four in Nova Scotia). Of the four confirmed cases in Ontario, three were in Durham and one in York. All were mild in nature and did not require hospitalization. It is important to note that, to date, the severity of illness experienced in Canada from this virus is less than that noted in Mexico. Individuals who have experienced this illness in Canada have experienced a relatively mild version and have not required hospitalization. Symptoms of the illness include nasal congestion, sore throat, cough, body aches, fatigue and fever over 100F. Occasionally, vomiting and diarrhoea have been reported with this illness. Please note that these symptoms are different than ‘cold’ symptoms, which typically include some combination of nasal congestion, sore throat, and/or cough. What the University is doing? The University continues to monitor this situation closely and is maintaining on-going contacts with local, regional, national, and international public health authorities. Student Health Services is screening for potential cases and will report any to the Peterborough County City Health Unit. The University strongly advises against any non-essential travel to Mexico and will assess any travel requests to determine if they are academically or operationally essential before approving the travel. The Emergency Planning Committee is updating its pandemic plans to reflect the current situation and prepare the University should cases occur in our community. The University will continue to monitor this situation very closely and will act with both diligence and speed to address the needs of the University community in the days and weeks ahead. Trent is committed to providing the University community with information that is clear, timely, and relevant to you. The Office of Risk Management will communicate with you regularly as new and important information becomes available. More information can be obtained from:
Posted April 29, 2009. |