Oct 1, 2009
Committee for Infection Control Measures
As the new-type influenza continues to spread nationwide, the possibility of a rapid spread of infection within the university is also increasing. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare is making efforts to ensure that cases of new-type influenza are identified as soon as possible in order to avoid a large-scale outbreak. As it is likely that infection will continue to spread, particularly amongst students and other groups of young people, Kyoto University aims to (1) check the spread and worsening of the disease among Kyoto University students, faculty and staff, and (2) prevent the functioning of the university being adversely affected by an outbreak of the disease. Accordingly we have revised our policy as follows, and ask that students, faculty and staff pay attention to the latest information about new-type influenza, and take every precaution to avoid its spreading.
Please note that medical staff of the Kyoto University Hospital and Center for Student Health etc. are requested to comply with any special policies issued by authorities in their departments.
Major changes from the fourth edition
- Previous:
Regarding cases in which students, faculty and staff etc., or their family members have been infected with new-type influenza.
(1) Receive an examination at a public health center.
(2) Remain at home for a period of 48 hours after the alleviation of symptoms (faculty and staff are prohibited from attending the university).
New:
Measures to be taken in the event that students, faculty or staff members display influenza symptoms:
(1) Persons who exhibit serious symptoms should receive an examination from their nearest healthcare facility, and remain at home for an additional 48 hours to monitor their condition after their symptoms have subsided (faculty and staff are not prohibited from attending the university).
(2) Persons who exhibit less severe symptoms should remain at home for an additional 48 hours to monitor their condition after their symptoms have subsided (faculty and staff are not prohibited from attending the university).
(3) If there is an unavoidable reason, it is possible for a student, faculty or staff member to attend classes or their place of work within 48 hours after their symptoms have subsided, however the person concerned must, in addition to carefully monitoring their own condition (by taking their temperature etc.), take the following precautions: wash hands thoroughly and frequently before, during, and after attending classes or work.
- Previous:
Regarding those who come into close contact with infected persons in research laboratories etc., and students, faculty and staff whose family members are infected with new-type influenza.
(1) 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 then return to the university, provided no symptoms have emerged (faculty and staff are prohibited from attending the university).
(2) It is possible for a student, faculty or staff member to attend the university during the 96 hour voluntary quarantine period in cases where it is absolutely necessary. Such persons are required to submit a Health Questionnaire.
New:
Regarding those who come into close contact with infected persons in research laboratories etc., and students, faculty and staff whose co-habiting family members are infected with new-type influenza.
(1) It is possible for persons who come into close contact with infected persons in research laboratories etc. to attend classes or work within the 96-hour quarantine period, provided they take precautions against infection and take particular care in monitoring their health (faculty and staff are not prohibited from attending the university).
(2) Students, faculty and staff members who are co-habiting with persons diagnosed as being infected with influenza should remain at home for a period of 96 hours to monitor their health status (faculty and staff are prohibited from attending work).
(3) Further to the stipulations in (2) above, it is possible for students, faculty and staff members to attend classes or work during the 96-hour quarantine period, provided they take particular care in monitoring their health and take precautions against infection such as washing their hands thoroughly and frequently and wearing a surgical mask.
- Other additions to the 5th Edition
(1) Measures to prevent the spread of infection during extracurricular activities etc.
(2) Measures to prevent the spread of infection in the home and at within faculties and departments.
(3) Reminder to confirm the system of communication within each faculty and department
- Classes etc.
Depending on the scope, scale and pathogen virulence, it may be necessary to cancel classes in the event of an outbreak of new-type influenza within the university. It is also possible that classes may be cancelled only in particular sections or departments where cases of infection have occurred. Please check the university website for current information.
- Measures to be taken in the event that students, faculty or staff members display symptoms associated with influenza (fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, aching limbs)
(1) The following measures should be taken in the event that students, faculty or staff members display influenza symptoms.
(i) Pregnant women, persons with pre-existing illnesses (see Note 1 below) and persons who exhibit serious symptoms (see Note 2 below) should contact their faculty or department, and receive an examination from their nearest healthcare facility, after contacting the facility by telephone in advance. Such persons should remain at home for an additional 48 hours to monitor their condition after their symptoms have subsided. Such persons should also take appropriate precautions to prevent the spreading of the disease, such as wearing a surgical mask.
(ii) Persons who exhibit symptoms less severe than those described in (i) above, should contact their faculty or department, and remain at home for an additional 48 hours to monitor their condition after their symptoms have subsided.
(iii) Faculty and departmental offices which receive notice that a student, faculty or staff member is experiencing symptoms associated with influenza should complete the "Confirmation of Influenza Symptoms" form (appendix 1), and submit it to the Health and Sanitation Group of the Department of Environment, Safety and Health (extension 2420).
(2) If there is an unavoidable reason, it is possible for a student, faculty or staff member to attend classes or their place of work within 48 hours after their symptoms have subsided (regardless of the stipulations in (1) (i) and (ii) above). In such cases, however, the person concerned must, in addition to carefully monitoring their own condition (by taking their temperature etc.), take the precautions detailed below.
a) Wash hands thoroughly and frequently before, during, and after attending classes or work.
b) Maintain a distance of at least two meters between yourself and others during the course of study or work. If it is absolutely necessary to move closer to people, please wear surgical mask.
(3) Those who are in direct contact with persons displaying symptoms (see Note 3 below), as described in (1) above, should monitor their health status for a period of 96 hours while attending classes or work and observing the precautions detailed in (2) a) and b) above. If symptoms associated with influenza develop within the 96 hour period, the instructions detailed in (1) (i) and (ii) above should be followed.
- Cases in which the family, co-habitants, etc. of students, faculty and staff are infected with influenza (including suspected infection). (Please refer to appendix 1).
(1) Students, faculty and staff members who are co-habiting (including living in the same dormitory etc.) with persons diagnosed as being infected with influenza or probably infected with influenza, should report these circumstances to their faculty or department and remain at home for a period of 96 hours to monitor their health status (faculty and staff are prohibited from attending work). If symptoms do not appear within 96 hours, the person may return to work / classes.
(2) Further to the stipulations in (1) above, it is possible for the student, faculty or staff member to attend classes or work 96 hours after the co-habitant's symptoms subside, or 96 hours since their last exposure to the infected person(s). This is only applicable in cases where the student, faculty or staff member is able to take precautions against infection, such as avoiding contact with the person(s) exhibiting symptoms, and provided they take particular care in monitoring their health and follow the instructions in 2. (2) a) and b). If symptoms associated with influenza develop within the 96 hour period, the instructions detailed in 2. (1) (i) and (ii) above should be followed.
- Extracurricular activities and events with large numbers of people.
It is not necessary to refrain from attending extracurricular activities, lectures and other such events, however, please take the appropriate general precautions against the spread of infection (see Note 4 below). Depending on the situation regarding the level of infection within the university, there may be cases in which the organizers are requested to cancel such events and activities.
- Preventing the spread of infection.
(1) Please take the following measures to prevent the spread of infection among individuals and in the home.
(i)Wash hands and gargle regularly, please follow the "cough etiquette" described in Note 5 below.
(ii)Eat and rest well in order to increase your resistance to illness.
(iii)Avoid unnecessary contact with others.
(2) Please take the following measures to prevent the spread of infection within the university.
(i) Provide hand-soap, paper towels and disinfectant alcohol.
(ii) Provide surgical masks and thermometers for those who will come into contact with infected persons or large groups of people.
(iii) Keep lecture halls and classrooms etc. clean and sterilized, particularly areas such as door handles which will be touched by a number of people.
(iv) Ensure that people wash their hands and gargle regularly. Persons displaying symptoms should wear surgical masks. Post information about new-type influenza on billboards etc. to facilitate early detection of infection.
- Communication within each faculty and department
(1) Confirm the system of communication within each faculty and department to ensure that there is a system in place to adequately respond to a report of influenza symptoms, as well as cope with situations such as the sudden cancellation of classes.
(2) In the event that several persons within a specific departmental group display symptoms associated with new-type influenza, please report the situation to the Health and Sanitation Group of the Department of Environment, Safety and Health (extension 2420).
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)
- http://www.city.kyoto.lg.jp/hokenfukushi/page/0000003200.html (external link) (Japanese text only)
- Kyoto City Health Promotion Section, "Symptoms Counseling Center"
222-3421 (Mon - Fri, 9:30 am to 8:30 pm)
Pre-existing illnesses include the following: respiratory illnesses, chronic heart disease, metabolic diseases such as diabetes, renal dysfunction, immune system disorders treated with steroid medication etc.
*Note 2: Serious Symptoms
Serious symptoms include the following: increased breathing rate, difficulty in breathing, a pale facial pallor, bloody phlegm, chest pain, a change in mental state, a fever lasting three days or more, low blood pressure etc.
*Note 3: Close Contact
Close contact is defined as coming into contact with infected persons in research laboratories, administrative offices, venues for extra curricular activities etc. (not including very short-term contact), as well as using equipment used by infected persons.
*Note 4: General Precautions against the Spread of Infection
1. Persons displaying symptoms, or who are feeling unwell or convalescing should be instructed to refrain from coming into contact with others by means of announcements and notice boards placed at the entrances to buildings etc. Appropriate cautions should also be included in notifications of events and meetings etc.
2. Request that persons follow the “cough etiquette,” and a rigorous hand-washing and gargling regimen.
3. Provide hand-soap and paper towels in wash-rooms, as well as disinfectant alcohol at the entrances to buildings etc.
4. In the event that someone begins to feel unwell or exhibit symptoms during an event or class etc., provide the person with a surgical mask, and instruct them to go home and rest or seek a medical examination. Please prepare surgical masks and confirm the contact details of nearby medical facilities in advance.
*Note 5: Cough Etiquette
Persons exhibiting symptoms should follow the “cough etiquette” detailed below in order to prevent the spread of the disease.
1. Wear a surgical mask
2. When coughing or sneezing turn away to ensure that any airborne particles are not directed at those around you. If you are not wearing a mask, cover your nose and mouth with tissue. Dispose of used tissues promptly.
3. When coughing or sneezing into your hands, be sure to wash them thoroughly afterwards.