Go!

Currently, there is no avian flu crisis at the University of Denver. To handle any concerns that the DU community may have, the University has developed a plan to deal with avian flu should it become a pandemic illness.

The University also understands the need to address avian flu questions and concerns. This Web site only provides general information. For more details and up-to-date information regarding the transmission of avian flu, visit the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Web site.

In the event of a pandemic flu outbreak at DU, the Health and Counseling Center will work closely with the state and local Public Health Departments to determine the best way to reduce the risk of infection.

Recent findings described in an article at www.pandemicflu.gov reveal “the emergence and predominance of a previously uncharacterized H5N1 (bird flu) virus sublineage…” This sublineage has caused recent human infection in some areas of Asia. Vaccines given to birds against H5N1 may have led to the emergence of this sublineage of the H5N1 virus.

We still do not know whether this new sublineage or the original H5N1 virus will mutate into a pandemic strain. Careful monitoring of public health information and being prepared remain the best strategy. The World Health Organization (WHO) Pandemic Phase remains at Phase 3 – very limited human-to-human transmission.

Where can I get the most current information about avian flu?

The best source of up-to-date and accurate information is the Web site of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In the event that a pandemic poses a threat to the DU community, campus officials will issue regular updates through various modes of communication. Regular updates can be found on the DU Homepage and DU Health & Counseling Web site.

Last updated: February 19, 2007.