Regarding Domestic Infections of the New Influenza (H1N1)

May 9th, 2009

To: All Students, Faculty and Staff Members of Kyushu University

Katsumi Imaizumi
Kyushu University Pandemic Influenza Crisis Management Headquarters WG Manager

Regarding Domestic Infections of the New Influenza (H1N1)

  The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry announced on May 9th that the nation’s first cases of the new influenza (H1N1) have been confirmed at Narita International Airport.
  Prime Minister Taro Aso said in a statement, "Although these cases were confirmed within Japan, we do not consider it as an indication of the domestic emergence of the disease, since they were detected during quarantine procedures at the airport."
  The current situation, where infected patients have been found through quarantine inspections, is not considered as falling under the “Early Phase of Domestic Outbreak” as defined by Kyushu University in its “Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response Action Plan Guidelines.”
  We ask that you remain calm, since there have been no reports of people who have contracted the disease domestically at this point.
  As we proceed to implement measures based on latest policies and actions of the government, please make sure to regularly check for updated reports through the university website and official announcements. We remind you again to observe the following instructions as well:

【Overseas Travel】
• We urge that you refrain from traveling to countries and regions (*1) where new influenza (H1N1) outbreaks have been confirmed or are suspected, and also that you reconsider your plans to travel to other countries and regions after giving thought to the necessity of travel versus the risk involved. If traveling abroad is necessary, be sure to wear a mask in crowded areas such as academic conference venues. We strongly suggest that you postpone any trips to Mexico unless the trip is urgent or necessary.

(*1) Mexico, The United States, Canada, Spain, New Zealand, Israel, the United Kingdom, Germany, Austria, Netherlands, Switzerland, Denmark, Hong Kong, France, South Korea, Costa Rica, Italy, Ireland, Columbia, El Salvador, Portugal, Guatemala, Sweden, Poland, Brazil, Argentina（Countries and regions officially confirmed by WHO to have cases of the new influenza (H1N1) as of 9:00 AM on May 8th.）

【To Those Who Have Recently Retumed from Overseas】
• If you have recently returned from overseas, you are requested to stay indoors for ten days from the day you departed the foreign country or region. If you experience symptoms such as fever or cough, immediately contact the Fever Consultation Center (*2).

【Preventative Measures against Infection】
• To prevent the possible spread of domestic infection, be sure to take measures that include gargling and washing your hands when you get home, wearing a mask outside and observing the rules of etiquette when you cough.

(*2) Fukuoka City Fever Consultation Centers
 (Telephone Consultation Service)

9:00 - 18:00 (Open everyday, including Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays)
   Higashi Public Health Center: 092-645-1078　Jonan Public Health Center: 092-831-4261
   Hakata Public Health Center: 092-419-1091　Sawara Public Health Center: 092-851-6012
   Chuo Public Health Center: 092-761-7328　Nishi Public Health Center: 092-895-7073
   Minami Public Health Center: 092-559-5116

18:00 - 21:00 (Open everyday, including Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays)
Chuo Public Health Center: 092-761-7361

■ Related Website (external institutions)

Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for the latest information on the new influenza (H1N1)
http://www.mofa.go.jp/mofaj/gaiko/kansen/influenza/influenza02.html

■ Related Websites (Kyushu University)

Kyushu University (PC)
http://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/index.php
Kyushu University (mobile)
http://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/mobile/mobile_top.html
Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response Action Plan Guidelines
(Provisional edition)
http://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/influenza/taiko.pdf