April 30, 2009
Hitotsubashi University
Risk Management Office
Susumu Yamauchi, Director
Today, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised the current influenza pandemic alert level for influenza A (H1N1) (swine flu) that originated in Mexico to phase 5. Phase 5 indicates that infection is apparent in large clusters of people, but that human-to-human spread of the infection is limited.
As for Hitotsubashi students and faculty, we advise that any non-essential or non-urgent travel to Mexico be avoided. For students and faculty currently in Mexico, we recommend that you take prompt action to return to Japan. In addition, it is necessary to exercise caution when traveling to countries other than Mexico in which the outbreak may occur hereafter. Please be sure to obtain the latest information on your travel destination.
※ What you can do
<Prevention> The type of infection is the same as that of normal influenza.
・Avoid crowds when going out
・Wash your hands diligently and gargle frequently
・Wear a mask (we recommend unwoven fabric masks available at pharmacies) to prevent transmission from coughing, sneezing, saliva, etc.
<Coughing Etiquette>
・Wear a mask if you develop coughing or sneezing symptoms
・Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
・Turn away from those around you when coughing or sneezing
※ Collect accurate information
・The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan (MFA), Safe Overseas Travel (Japanese)
・Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW)
・MHLW, For Traveler’s Health (FORTH) (Japanese)
・World Health Organization (WHO)
・MFA Contact for Inquiries on Influenza A (H1N1)
Telephone: 03-5501-8000 (Internal): 5370-5375-2331
・U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
・Infectious Disease Surveillance Center (IDSC)
