Avian Flu Update

The University of Minnesota and the Learning Abroad Center considers the health and safety of students on education abroad opportunities one of its top priorities. The Learning Abroad Center is carefully monitoring all resources providing information about the Avian Flu and is in consultation with the University of Minnesota Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP), other universities, and other program providers to develop a higher awareness about Avian Flu.

In the event of an outbreak of Avian Flu in any region or location where University of Minnesota students are participating in an education abroad opportunity, the Learning Abroad Center will assess the situation with:

• the University of Minnesota Academic Health Center Emergency Preparedness Program,
• the Minnesota State Department of Health,
• reference to CDC Guidelines, and consult with:
• the University of Minnesota Education Abroad Suspension Committee (EASC) and
• on-site staff to determine the most appropriate course of action. 

The Learning Abroad Center maintains crisis management and emergency guidelines for all programs in place and can adapt them to respond to any situation.

More detailed plans will be forthcoming and will incorporate President Bush’s response and Governor Pawlenty’s response to a potential flu pandemic.

 

Last modified on April 27, 2009