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The University is committed to protecting all faculty, staff and students in the event of an avian influenza pandemic and will take all necessary actions to ensure their safety.
 The University is also committed to continuing normal campus operations as long as it is safe to do so. The information provided here is intended to raise campus awareness of this potential health emergency, provide information that can assist individuals to protect themselves and their families, and inform the campus community about university planning efforts.
For more information from the World Health Organization on the global response, click on the Global Response image on the left.
What is Avian Influenza and why is it considered a pandemic threat?
Influenza A (H5N1) is an influenza A virus subtype that occurs mainly in birds, is highly contagious among birds, and can be deadly to them. Outbreaks of H5N1 among poultry are ongoing in a number of countries. While H5N1 does not usually infect people, human cases of H5N1 infection associated with these outbreaks have been reported. Most of these cases have occurred from direct or close contact with infected poultry or contaminated surfaces; however, a few rare cases of human-to-human spread of H5N1 virus have occurred, though transmission has not continued beyond one person.
Nonetheless, because all influenza viruses have the ability to change, scientists are concerned that H5N1 virus one day could be able to infect humans and spread easily from one person to another. Because these viruses do not commonly infect humans, there is little or no immune protection against them in the human population and an influenza pandemic (worldwide outbreak of disease) could begin. Experts from around the world are watching the H5N1 situation in Asia and Europe very closely and are preparing for the possibility that the virus may begin to spread more easily from person to person.
(Centers for Disease Control and Prevention webpage, March 17, 2006)
Current phase of pandemic influenza alert, according to the World Health Organization:
What can you do right now to protect yourself and your family?
You can prepare for an influenza pandemic now.
1. To plan for a pandemic:
- Store a supply of water and food. During a pandemic, if you cannot get to a store, or if stores are out of supplies, it will be important for you to have extra supplies on hand. This can be useful in other types of emergencies, such as power outages and disasters.
- Have any nonprescription drugs and other health supplies on hand, including pain relievers, stomach remedies, cough and cold medicines, fluids with electrolytes, and vitamins.
- Talk with family members and loved ones about how they would be cared for if they got sick, or what will be needed to care for them in your home.
- Volunteer with local groups to prepare and assist with emergency response.
- Get involved in your community as it works to prepare for an influenza pandemic.
2. To limit the spread of germs and prevent infection:
- When you cough or sneeze, use a tissue to cover your nose and mouth or cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve, not your hands.
- After coughing or sneezing, wash your hands with soap and warm water or clean them with alcohol-based hand cleaner. If you use an alcohol-based cleaner, wash your hands with soap and warm water as soon as the opportunity arises to do so.
- Stay away from others as much as possible if you are sick.
- Stay home from work and school if you are sick.
Click here for examples of food and non-perishable items to have on hand for an extended stay at home.
What are Cal State Fullerton 's Avian Influenza Pandemic Planning Efforts?
To ensure adequate protection and continuation of campus activities in the event of a potential health emergency caused by an avian influenza pandemic, the campus has begun planning.
To view Cal State Fullerton's Avian Influenza Pandemic Plan, click here.
Avian Influenza Pandemic Planning Committee Convened:
A committee has been formed with broad representation across the campus to develop a plan for the university's response to this potential health crisis. Click here to view the committee membership. The plan will be a sub-set of the University's Business Continuity Plan which is also under development. It will be based on guidelines provided by the Chancellor's Office as well as a review of preparedness plans created by universities across the country. Once it is developed, the Avian Influenza Pandemic plan will be communicated broadly to the campus community and will also be available via this webpage.
Pandemic Manager Designated:
The Chancellor's Office requires that each campus identify a Pandemic Manager who will be responsible for coordinating various planning and monitoring activities related to pandemic preparedness and response. Tom Whitfield, Director of Environmental Health and Instructional Safety, has been designated to fill this role for Cal State Fullerton. Questions and feedback regarding the university's pandemic preparedness efforts may be sent to him at twhitfield@fullerton.edu or extension 4346.
Avian Influenza Background and Planning Information from International, National and Regional Organizations:
World Health Organization:
U.S Government website on Avian Influenza: www.pandemicflu.gov
Orange County Health Care Agency: www.ochealthinfo.com/epi/af
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