Update April 7, 2013
To: NYU students in Shanghai
From: David Pe, Associate Director for Student Life
Hi Everyone,
I'm just writing to let you know that ECNU has shared with us that they have taken additional precautions in the canteens to ensure that the items that enter the kitchen have been tested and passed additional screenings. They are encouraging students to eat in the canteen since they are able to control the environment, this includes food cooked thoroughly and at the highest temperature, the space sanitized, and items are being replenished quickly.
In addition for those that are living in the off campus apartments, we encourage you to purchase your vegetables/meats from enclosed supermarkets (CityShop, Tesco, Carrefour) rather than the wet markets.
If you're not feeling well, please make sure to let someone know, a staff or your roommate/suitemate and make sure to notify the staff.
Thanks,
David
April 6, 2013
TO: NYU STUDENTS IN SHANGHAI
FROM: Carlo Ciotoli, MD, Executive Director, NYU Student Health Center
Re: New Strain of Flu Virus
Date: April 6, 2013
The NYU Student Health Center has been closely monitoring the outbreak of Influenza A (H7N9) virus. So far, no members of the NYU Shanghai community or any members of the broader 50,000 plus ECNU community in which NYU sits, have been affected by this virus.
As of April 4, 2013 Chinese public health officials have reported 14 cases of human infection with a novel strain of Influenza A (H7N9) virus. Six cases are from Shanghai – a city of over 20 million people -- and all but one are in adults ranging in age from 27-87 years. It is important to note that no person-to-person transmission has yet been established, and at this point the indications are that those who have become infected have had direct contact with live birds.
That said, appropriate caution is warranted. NYU will follow the guidance and recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO) and other appropriate agencies in responding to such public health issues.
Influenza viruses are not transmitted through consuming well-cooked food. As influenza viruses are inactivated by normal temperatures used for cooking (so that food reaches 70°C in all parts— "piping" hot — no "pink" parts), it is safe to eat properly prepared and cooked meat, including from poultry and game birds.
As always, everyone is encouraged to follow the recommendations to practice good hand and respiratory hygiene:
Cover your nose/mouth when coughing or sneezing
Dispose of tissues in appropriate waste receptacles
Wash your hands before and after eating, using the restroom and after coughing or sneezing
Stay home when sick and stay away from others who are coughing and sneezing
We recommend that members of the NYU Shanghai community avoid contact with live or uncooked birds.
For more information on this new flu strain visit the WHO website.
NYU’s Student Health Center will continue to follow this closely and provide updates to our students and colleagues in Shanghai and throughout the GNU. If you find yourself experiencing flu-like symptoms – fever, cough, body ache, or shortness of breath – please contact the Student Life Team in Shanghai: David Pe, davidpe@nyu.edu 18602161480, the Professional Staff on Duty 18217149047, or Shanghai United Hospital Emergency Room 2216-3999 in Shanghai.
And if you have any concerns, please remember that the NYU Wellness Exchange (wellness.exchange@nyu.edu; 212.443.9999) is available to you on a 24/7