Important Notice: Kyoto University's Policy regarding New-Type Influenza (fourth edition)

Important Notice: Kyoto University's Policy regarding New-Type Influenza (fourth edition)

日本語

May 22, 2009
Committee for Infection Control Measures

A case of new-type influenza has now been confirmed within Kyoto City. Local authorities have requested that schools and educational institutions temporarily close.

In response to the outbreak of new-type influenza, Kyoto University has established both a Committee for Infection Control Measures and an Influenza Specialist Group in order to determine a scientifically-based counter-measure policy.

Having considered the current situation, and the confirmed case of infection within Kyoto City, the Committee for Infection Control Measures has decided that, at present, classes etc. at Kyoto University will continue as usual.

The current measures are being comprehensively evaluated by based on the opinions of the experts, and taking into account the scope and scale of the epidemic, the pathogen virulence, and whether or not their have been any cases on campus. Based upon the changing circumstances, it may become necessary to temporarily close the university, or part of the university, such as a particular campus or department. We therefore request that you check this homepage for the most current information.

We request that any student, faculty or staff member who is either infected themselves, or has an infected family member (including suspected cases), please contact their nearest Symptoms Counseling Center (hatsu-netsu soudan senta) and follow their instructions, as well as inform the administration officer of their affiliated department.

It is anticipated that there will be further cases of infection within Kyoto City. We therefore urge all Kyoto University members to avoid going out of their homes unless absolutely necessary, and to diligently wash their hands and gargle in order to prevent infection.

 

May 21, 2009
Committee for Infection Control Measures

At present Kyoto University Classes etc. are being conducted as normal.

At present, the new-type influenza is prevalent in Hyogo and Osaka prefectures, and many educational institutions are canceling their classes and lectures. Based on this situation, Kyoto University's current policy regarding new-type influenza is as follows:

For those students and staff who are currently observing the voluntary quarantine period established in the third edition announcement dated May 13, 2009), we ask that those who would be able to work/study at the university starting today – according to this announcement – do so starting May 21, with the exception of those with fever or other symptoms.

  1. Regarding classes etc.
    It is possible that the Committee for Infection Control Measures may decide to suspend classes in the future based on an analysis of the range, scale, level of the pathogen virulence, and whether their have been any reported cases at the university.
    It is also possible that classes may be suspended only in a particular department or area if reported cases of the new influenza are localized.
  2. Regarding cases in which students, faculty and staff etc., or their family members have been infected (or are suspected to be infected) with new-type influenza.
    (1) Students, faculty and staff etc., or those whose family members have been infected (or are suspected to be infected) with new-type influenza should follow the directions below.
    (a) Contact the nearest Symptoms Counseling Center (hatsu-netsu soudan senta), such as the nearest public health center, and follow their directions.
    (b) If you are diagnosed as having new-type influenza, please contact your department. You should then receive treatment for the illness either at home or in hospital (faculty and staff are prohibited from attending the university). When your symptoms are alleviated (when you no longer have a fever) you must remain at home for a period of 48 hours (faculty and staff are prohibited from attending the university [the same shall apply hereinafter]) to monitor your condition before returning to the university.
    (c) In accordance with (b) above, a check shall be undertaken of persons in the same laboratory, office etc. who were in close contact with the infected or possibly infected person. Such persons must remain at home and monitor their condition for 96 hours following their last contact with the infected or possibly infected person, and may return to the university, provided no symptoms have emerged.

    (2) In cases in which the family of students, faculty and staff etc. have been diagnosed as having been infected with new-type influenza (only in cases in which they are co-habiting with the student, faculty or staff member [the same shall apply hereinafter]), the infection must be reported to the department of the student, faculty or staff member. The student, faculty or staff member must remain at home and monitor their condition for 96 hours following the alleviation of the family member's symptoms, and may return to the university, provided no symptoms have emerged.

    (3) It is possible, in accordance with the regulations below, for a student, faculty or staff member to attend the university regardless of items (1) (c) and (2) above during the 96 hour voluntary quarantine period in cases where it is absolutely necessary due to unavoidable circumstances.
    1. Prior to the day on which you intend to attend the university, you must fill out a Health Questionnaire(Note 2)and send it to your department by e-mail or fax (this must be undertaken on each separate instance).
    2. Your department will send the questionnaire to the KU Health Service by fax (753-2424).
    3. The KU Health Service will decide whether you may attend the university and inform your department.
    4. Your department will inform you of the Health Service's decision.
  3. Regarding overseas travel
    Based on the current information regarding new-type influenza, students, faculty and staff are requested to reconsider and refrain from overseas travel, even to countries in which no infections have been reported.
  4. After (re)entry into Japan from a country with suspected cases
    There is no voluntary quarantine period for those (re)entering Japan from overseas.
    In the event that a fever or other symptoms are experienced following (re)entry into Japan, please follow the directions given in 2. (1) (a) and (b).
    Those who came into close contact with infected persons while overseas, or entered a place where there were many infected people, should follow the directions given above in 2. (1) (c).
    For those who are currently in a country in which cases of the new-type influenza have been confirmed.
    (1) At present, the university has not requested the immediate recall of its students or staff staying overseas.
    (2) Students and staff are asked to obtain information from, and follow the instructions and recommendations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the local Japanese Embassy in those countries. In addition, appropriate measures should be taken against infection (gargling, washing hands, and wearing sanitary masks) and areas with a high risk of infection should be avoided.
  5. Other information:
    In addition to keeping your affiliated faculty or departmental office informed regarding your physical condition, contact the KU Health Service and follow the instructions given, in the event that any changes occur in the status of your health.
    Do not independently seek treatment through a regular doctor or healthcare provider; you should first contact the nearest public health center or "Kyoto City Symptoms Counseling Center" (hatsu-netsu soudan senta). You may also contact the KU Health Service.

For inquiries related to concerns about your physical condition

- Kyoto University Health Service (Mon - Fri, 8:30 am to 5:15 pm)

  • Yoshida District: 2405
  • Katsura District: 7308
  • Uji District: 4381
  • Kumatori District: 2308

- For other inquiries related to this matter, contact the Kyoto University General Affairs Department, Risk Management Officer at the following telephone number: 075-753-2226
- Kyoto City Public Health Centers (Mon - Fri, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm)

Note 1: Regarding Close Contact with Infected Persons

"Close contact" refers to those who have undertaken work, study or other activities (not including brief encounters) in close proximity with infected persons in laboratories, offices, during extracurricular activities etc., as well as those who have used the same equipment etc. as infected persons.

Note 2: Regarding the Health Questionnaire

Downloadable questionnaire: MS Word / PDF

In the event that symptoms appear during the period of voluntary quarantine, please contact the Kyoto University Health Service via the General Affairs Department (tel. 075-753-2405、FAX 075-753-2424) and submit the questionnaire.

If it is necessary due to unavoidable circumstances to attend the university during the 96 hour voluntary quarantine period, please submit the questionnaire to the Kyoto University Health Service via the General Affairs Department prior to attending the university.

Note 3: Countries with confirmed cases of infection
In the third announcement a distinction was made between "countries with a widespread outbreak" and "countries with confirmed cases of infection," however as of this announcement, "countries with confirmed cases of infection" shall include both of those categories.
Please refer to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for updates on infected countries.

 

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