Buckman

Swine Flu

As most of you must now be aware, cases of flu-like respiratory illnesses have been confirmed due to a new A (H1N1) swine flu strain in Mexico and in other countries, including the U.S. and Canada. There have been confirmed cases in the US (see http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/ for updates). 

Rhodes has a Pandemic Response Team which drafted a policy and procedures for precisely this type of situation some years ago.  The Team is currently monitoring the news and information as reported by agencies such as the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control.  The CDC recommends that U.S. travelers avoid all nonessential travel to Mexico.  Changes to this recommendation will be posted at  http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/.  Please check this site frequently for travel updates.

Pending further developments, Rhodes will operate its summer programs as planned.  This summer Rhodes faculty will lead programs in Belgium, Egypt, England, Namibia, Russia, Spain, and Turkey.
 
For all travelers, CDC recommends the following steps to help you stay healthy:

  • Be sure you are up-to-date with all your routine vaccinations, including a seasonal influenza vaccine. The seasonal vaccine is not expected to offer protection against swine flu viruses, but it can protect against seasonal influenza viruses which may still be circulating in Mexico and the Southern Hemisphere.
  • Pack a travel health kit that contains basic first aid and medical supplies. See Pack Smart in Your Survival Guide to Safe and Healthy Travel for a list of what to include in your travel health kit.
  • Identify the health-care resources in the area(s) you will be visiting.
  • Check if your health insurance plan will cover you abroad.  Consider purchasing additional insurance that covers medical evacuation in case you become sick.  For more information, see Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad from the U.S. Department of State.
  • Remember that U.S. embassies, consulates and military facilities do not have the legal authority, capability, and resources to evacuate or to give medications, vaccines or medical care to private U.S. citizens overseas. 

Study Abroad and International Students

The Buckman Center for International Education advances the international and intercultural dimensions of the Rhodes College liberal arts education.  Learning of this nature is best enhanced and enriched by direct and sustained experiences with other cultures, languages, and political systems.  Accordingly, the Buckman Center serves not only students studying off-campus and abroad, but also international students studying at Rhodes College.  Please read About Us!

 


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