UPDATED 5/4/09

BOONE—Appalachian State University officials are monitoring the H1N1 influenza A outbreak that began in Mexico and has spread to other countries, including the United States.

Six students from Appalachian who were studying in Central Mexico this semester have recently returned to the United States. Officials from Appalachian’s Office of International Education and Development advises international travelers to monitor Web sites maintained by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization (http://www.who.int/en/) for up-to-date information and guidance about the illness.

The CDC Web site is http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/. Information on swine influenza in particular is online at http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/.

“We also are contacting our international partner institutions with exchange students at Appalachian to reassure them that we are monitoring the situation closely and will remain vigilante as the virus continues to spread,” said Dr. Jesse Lutabingwa, vice chancellor for international education and development.

Representatives from each of the University of North Carolina system campuses are also working to ensure that prudent, precautionary steps are taken now to ensure that each campus is prepared to respond appropriately in the event of an outbreak in North Carolina.

Appalachian has no organized study abroad trips going to Mexico this summer. Groups are planning to travel to Africa, Asia, Central and Latin America, Europe and the United Kingdom. Officials in Student Health Services are available to consult with the faculty leaders of these trips about best health practices while abroad.

Students planning individual travel abroad, as well as groups that haven’t registered with the university, should contact the Office of International Education and Development.

The advice is the same for any student, faculty or staff member planning overseas travel: Wash your hands frequently and continue to monitor the news for updates as information about the outbreak is changing hourly. It is also recommended that travelers pack alcohol-based hand sanitizer in their carry-on luggage.

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