Preparation key in fight against potential flu pandemic
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. As a virulent strain of flu continues to spread in birds across Europe, Asia and Africa, Purdue is finalizing its planning for a potential outbreak among humans."We don't want to raise fear, because we can't be certain how lethal this flu might be if it mutates and spreads human to human," says the co-chair of the planning committee, James Westman, who is the director of the Purdue Student Health Center. "Yet we have to be prepared."
Purdue is very much like a complex city, so the planning is also complex. The university is a teacher, landlord, counselor, restaurateur, entertainer, employer, veterinarian and health-care provider. It manages its own utilities, police, fire, emergency medical services as well as a radiological and environmental management department. Complex computer systems and research are everywhere.
"Every area of Purdue has its own crisis plan, but this challenge is different than anything we've faced before," Westman says. "Should a pandemic strike, it is expected to come in three waves over an 18-months period."
The planning committee is divided into six subcommittees that are focusing on specific areas:
• Students and residence halls.
• Academics and research.
• Health.
• Safety and security.
• Business continuation.
• Communication and education.
"Questions range from how Purdue will feed its students if no mass gatherings are allowed to how we'll manage a potential quarantine," said Carol Shelby, the other co-chair of the planning committee and senior director of environmental health and public safety. Others are laying plans for round-the-clock staffing of health services, building maintenance, animal care and research continuation.
All offices have been asked to identify essential personnel who would need access to campus in the event of a quarantine. Some people might be able to work from home.
The Internet will be one important source of information.
"We are planning now to ensure that we'll be able to keep people informed via the Internet," said Jeanne Norberg, director of the Purdue News Service. "We will post information at this site as it becomes available and also will e-mail alerts to parents, faculty, staff and students to let them know when important news has been added to the site.
Parents can sign up to receive these alerts.
Faculty and staff can sign up for alerts as well as other Purdue news.
Students should watch their Purdue email address for alerts.
On-campus forums are planned as well.
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