May 27, 2009
TO THE CAMPUS COMMUNITY
Dear Colleagues and Students:
Our campus health officials and the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department have reported a confirmed case of H1N1 flu in the County. One of our students, an Isla Vista resident, has been treated for a mild case of H1N1 flu, and has fully recovered. Another student is being tested for a possible case of H1N1 flu; this student also had a very mild case, has been treated, and has fully recovered.
No other people in contact with either of these students, including their roommates, have come down with an influenza-like illness. The County Public Health Department has stated that these cases do not alter the current recommendations of the California Department of Public Health or Centers for Disease Control. In general, people are encouraged to respond to H1N1 with the same degree of caution as during normal flu season: wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer; avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; and stay home when you are sick. These recommendations and further information about H1N1 are posted at the Public Health Department website, at http://www.sbcphd.org, and at our Student Health Service website, at http://studenthealth.sa.ucsb.edu.
We encourage anyone experiencing flu-like symptoms to consult with their health care provider. Students who have questions or concerns should contact our Student Health Service at 893-5361. Dr. Elizabeth Downing, Campus Physician and Student Health Service Director, is the primary point of contact for information about our campus response to H1N1 flu; she can be reached at 893-2251 or via e-mail at downing-e@sa.ucsb.edu.
The health and well-being of our campus community is our highest priority. We are glad that the current case, or possibly two cases, were identified and treated quickly, and that the students have fully recovered. We will continue to monitor this closely, and to keep our campus community informed.
Sincerely,
Henry T. Yang
Chancellor