Emergency Information

H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu)

Update: June 17, 2009

This is another in our periodic updates about H1N1 Influenza (swine flu).

There are nearly 2,000 documented cases of H1N1 influenza in Illinois (mostly Chicago and Cook County), and the number keeps rising slowly. The UIC community -- faculty, staff, and students -- are representative of the general Chicago population and it is to be expected that there would be influenza cases on campus.

To date, test results have confirmed that seven members of the UIC community have been treated for H1N1 influenza. Two additional cases are pending confirmation.

The medical center continues to treat influenza patients from campus and the surrounding communities.

Two influenza-related deaths have occurred in hospitalized patients at the medical center. Both patients had medical conditions that increased their risk of complications from H1N1 and predisposed the patients to poor outcomes.

For more information about appropriate precautions, see the May 29 update below.

Update: June 11, 2009

World Health Organization (WHO) Raises the threat level of H1N1 Influenza

Update: June 3, 2009

Flu patient dies after delivering baby: A 20-year-old woman diagnosed with pneumonia and H1N1 influenza died May 30 at the Medical Center, a day after her baby was delivered. For more information, see the article in the UIC News online or the UIC Press Release.

Additional news from the Chicago Department of Public Health: Stay Focused on Flu Prevention, City Officials Tell Chicagoans

Update: May 29, 2009

This is another in our periodic updates about H1N1 Influenza (swine flu).

To date, test results have confirmed that three members of the UIC community - a student, a student employee working on campus, and one employee - have been treated and are recovering from mild H1N1 influenza. A fourth person's illness is pending H1N1 confirmation.

This is not cause for concern, but an opportunity to remind the campus community about appropriate precautions.

Most cases of flu are not H1N1 (swine flu). It is important to minimize the spread of all types of flu. If you have flu symptoms, please STAY HOME.

In general, swine flu should be suspected in persons with fever of at least 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit and recent onset of at least one of the following: runny nose or nasal congestion, sore throat, or cough, and who:

  1. Have had close contact with a person who has a confirmed infection with swine flu, or
  2. Traveled to Mexico, a community in the United States or an international location where there are one or more confirmed swine flu cases, or
  3. Reside in a community where there are one or more confirmed swine flu cases.

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, "For people who have flu-like symptoms and have traveled to areas where swine flu has been confirmed, they should seek medical attention. However, if a person has flu-like symptoms but has not traveled to areas where swine flu has been confirmed, they should stay home and contact a doctor to see if they should go in for testing."

The above should ONLY apply to those with symptoms.

Asymptomatic individuals (i.e., those who do not feel any of the symptoms of the flu), regardless of travel, should not take any special precautions or restrict their activities.

At this time, the CDC recommends that U.S. travelers avoid all nonessential travel to Mexico.

The CDC recommends the following to stay healthy:

  • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hands cleaners are also effective.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
  • Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
  • Influenza is thought to spread mainly person-to-person through coughing or sneezing of infected people, but can also spread through hand-to-hand transmission.
  • If you get sick, CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

For the latest information, see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site at: http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/index.htm

We will continue to monitor the local and national situation, provide updates to the UIC community as we learn more, and work to ensure the health and safety of our community.

Sincerely,
Dr. William Chamberlin
Chief Medical Officer
University of Illinois Medical Center at Chicago

Additional links on H1N1 Influenza

Reminder: How to Contact UIC Police in an Emergency

  • A new phone number, 5-5555, can be used to summon Police or Fire for any on-campus emergency. "Five Fives for Help" is intended to be easier to remember and quicker to dial from a campus phone. Phone stickers with the new emergency number are being distributed to campus units and are available from the UIC Police.
  • Set up the complete number, (312) 355-5555, on speed-dial on your cell phone.
  • More than 1,000 Startel emergency phones are on campus. A red button activates an alarm and flashing light and immediately connects you to UIC Police. Spot the phone locations as you make your way around campus.

How to Receive Information in an Emergency

  • Subscribe your cell phone to receive text message alerts. An immediate SMS text alert will be sent in case of a serious crime in progress, a weather emergency, or other urgent situation. Log in to http://sms.accc.uic.edu from any computer to subscribe your phone.
  • Call the UIC Hotline anytime at (312) 413-9696. In addition to emergency information, the hotline will alert you to building closures or class relocations.
  • Check this page (via Emergency Information link on the UIC homepage or www.emergency.uic.edu).
  • Watch your UIC email account for Urgent and Official email messages.

Additional Emergency Information

UIC will provide immediate updates here, via URGENT all-campus email, and by phone on the UIC Information Line (312) 413-9696.

In the event of an emergency, check here for specific instructions on evacuation or sheltering-in-place.

  • Subscribe your cell phone to campus alerts: enables campus officials to send text messages to your cell phone in the event of a serious crime, weather emergency, or similar incident. UIC log-in required.
  • Non-emergency Crime Alerts
  • National Alert Level: available online
  • UIC Alerts: See message below from 2/15/08
  • UIC Preparations for Terrorism: A Security Task Force, with representatives from all UIC planning and response departments, meets periodically to evaluate current status and coordinate protection. UIC cooperates with local, state and federal authorities to implement appropriate safeguards and plan responses.
  • Pandemic Flu Planning Checklist for Individuals and Families

Related Links