Swine Flu Information

Recent reports of H1N1 swine flu infection are continuing to receive wide coverage in the news media. While Nevada currently has only one confirmed case of swine flu infection, it is likely that additional cases will be reported in the near future, as all U.S. states are expected to see increased flu virus activity.

Though the mention of a possible flu pandemic causes anxiety, this is a time to focus your energy on educating yourself about the virus, sources of accurate campus information and UNLV emergency planning. Please read this entire website to familiarize yourself with information relevant to the campus.

About the Swine Flu
Swine Influenza (swine flu) is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza viruses that causes regular outbreaks in pigs. People do not normally get swine flu, but human infections can and do happen. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have determined that the current swine influenza A virus is contagious and is spreading from human to human. However, at this time, it is not known how easily the virus spreads between people.

Protective Actions to Take Today
To reduce your chance of catching or spreading the flu virus:

  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, or use an alcohol based hand sanitizer
  • Stay home from work or school if you are sick
  • Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth (entry points for germs to get into your body).

Additionally, monitor your health, and consult your doctor if you become ill with symptoms consistent with flu infection:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Body aches
  • Headache
  • Chills
  • Fatigue

Sources of Credible Information
During this early stage, the UNLV website is your best source for credible information about the campus. This site will be updated as needed and bulletins will also be distributed via UNLV Official email to campus.

In addition, the latest details about the swine flu situation are available via the web links below.

Emergency Planning and Operations
UNLV developed a pandemic flu response plan after reports of avian flu in the news media several years ago.

The UNLV Crisis Action Team authorized the initial activation of the pandemic flu plan on Thursday, April 30, 2009, using three information sources as a guide: the Southern Nevada Health District (the lead agency and health authority for Clark County, Nevada), the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization. In the initial activation stage, campus response personnel and resources have been readied for a heightened response should the swine flu situation in Southern Nevada escalate.

Should the swine flu situation escalate to a higher level, the communications channels will likely be expanded to include the UNLV emergency notification system (text/email/phone) and direct communication from the administration through deans and supervisors. If you have not already signed up to receive UNLV emergency messages, please complete the brief sign up process.

Event Cancellations and Closures
The Southern Nevada Health District has not made any recommendations to cancel public events or university classes; however, ill people are asked to avoid public locations and crowded venues. Spring 2009 final examinations and commencement are currently proceeding as planned.

Travel Recommendations
No in-state travel recommendation or restrictions are in place for Nevada. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends people avoid nonessential travel to Mexico. For more information visit the CDC website for travel recommendations. The World Health Organization (WHO) is not recommending restrictions on international travel at this time.

Stay Informed
Please regularly check this webpage for the latest information about how the swine flu situation is affecting the campus.

Related Links