MESSAGE

Since the last message to you, the situation with the H1N1 Influenza A virus in San Diego County seems to have abated.  The K-12 schools that had closed were soon reopened.  However, we continue to be diligent due to the resurgence of cases in other states, especially New York.  We wanted to give you a final update before the summer when there are fewer classes offered and fewer academic staff at the campuses.

SDCCD INCIDENTS

There have been a total of fourteen reported cases of individuals in the District with flu-like symptoms.  One case was confirmed H1N1. However, the individual who contracted the virus was out of state at the time of onset and remained there until well enough to return to San Diego.  Another employee’s family member was confirmed as an H1N1 case, and the entire family was treated for the virus.  The employee has since returned to work.   All other reported cases were negative. 

SAN DIEGO COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH

To date, San Diego has reported more cases than any other county in the state, a total of 98 cases.  The San Diego cases have been characterized by mild symptoms and with only a small percentage of hospitalizations. Thankfully, there have been no deaths in San Diego County.  County health officials emphasize the fact that there is still much to learn about this new virus. As more information is gathered, public health officials will be able to take appropriate actions and will no doubt modify previous approaches to the situation.

As the outbreak of the H1N1 Influenza A virus continues globally, nationally, and locally, the Health and Human Services Agency will continue to keep the community informed on a daily basis of the latest laboratory-confirmed cases.  Local public health officials are committed to conducting surveillance, performing contact investigations, enhancing testing efficiency, and serving as a resource.

The Health Department asks all organizations to remind staff, and students, to continue the following precautions:

• Stay home when sick
• Conduct good cough and/or sneeze etiquette (cover the cough or sneeze with sleeve or tissue)
• Wash hands properly and frequently
• See a doctor if serious illness develops

FUTURE PLANNING AND PREVENTIVE STEPS

The Emergency Operations Center Team is planning a debriefing meeting to review the "lessons learned" from this outbreak and to make plans for the flu season in the fall.  In the meantime, Facilities Management is purchasing preventative items such as hand sanitizers, gloves and masks, to have on hand in the event a need arises in the future.  In addition, it is anticipated that a vaccine will be available by fall.

We are working with the State Chancellor’s Office’s Disaster Resistant California Community College Task Force to host a three-day course in June for the Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP).   The course focuses on dealing with pandemics and is designed to assist with preparedness.

Many thanks to our faculty, staff and administration for your support, assistance, professionalism and calm in addressing this county health matter.