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Most students have a positive, healthy, and sometimes life-changing experience
during study abroad. It is important, however, that travelers understand the
possible impact of various health concerns while overseas. Recently, Avian
Flu has been a topic of discussion in the news media
and by health professionals.
From the President of the United States to political and health leaders around
the world, there is a clear message that Avian Flu could become a problem which
could
expand to pandemic
proportions in the U.S. and around the world. Over the past five years, other
messages have come forward with worldwide concerns about the possibility of
other worldwide crises like SARS and
in 1999 about all technology around the world falling apart at the end of the
millenium (Y2K). In the end SARS was contained and Y2K didn't result in severe
problems. It
is
critical
that
faculty,
staff,
students,
and
parents
put
appropriate
perspective on the possibility of the spread of Avian Flu. However, it is clear
that containing Avian Flu is proving challenging for the world community.
While there have been
no reported cases of study abroad participants being ill or dying because of
Avian Flu, to address any concerns parents or students may have we provide
the
resources and background information below to help better understand about
Avian Flu and make appropriate decisions and adequate preparations before you
go
abroad. The challenge is to balance preparedness for worst-case scenarios
and living life and taking advantage of life-changing opportunities like study
abroad in a place and with a program where your health and safety can be
supported well...turning to information to make informed decisions and adequate
preparation for worst-case scenarios with the hope that they will never be
necessary. If no pandemic occurs, it may seem
like you've done too much. However, if there is a severe problem, you want
to be prepared. Preparing
for a the possibility of Avian Flu can also help prevent another problem and
be prepared for other possible emergencies abroad (crime,
accident, illness, etc.).
Background Information: Avian Flu
Avian Flu (H5N1) has primarily been spread from bird-to-bird with a limited number of cases from
bird to human. There have been a very small number of cases where experts believe that very close
human-to-human contact spread the virus (the most often cited case occured between a mother and her child in
Thailand). Experts are concerned that the H5N1 virus could mutate and evolve into a type that could be more easily
spread among humans. When avian influenza subtypes adapt for this mode of transmission the effect can be
deadly for humans as the immune system has no natural immunities for it. Due to the fact that cases
of Avian Flu have emerged in several regions worldwide, institutions may be
planning for the possiblility of future alterations in their study abroad programs. Your concern
is understandable. With the degree of uncertainty about Avian Flu, we suggest
that you review the following information to help support your health and safety
abroad, and to hopefully provide answers to some of your questions.
Each institution carries its own responsibility when determining best practices, policies and procedures. However, to help ensure the health and safety of students currently studying abroad in those regions where cases of Avian Flu have been identified, as well as those students who have recently returned from study abroad programs in such areas, the Center for Global Education sets forth the following recommendations for parents and students seeking answers to Avian Flu-related questions.
The Center for Global Education recommends, that among other actions, all students and parents consult institution and program staff in the U.S. and abroad for guidelines, review institutional/program and personal emergency action plans, and take necessary precautions to make informed travel decisions. Besides practicing good personal hygiene, students should consider staying away from people and areas of potential risk, and seeking medical attention at the first indication of symptoms is important. Check other available resources for information regarding treatment and avoidance of Avian Flu. (Please see below for links to these resources.)
The Center for Global Education offers on-line resources regarding Crisis and Risk Management and Emergency Planning information for students studying abroad. You may wish to review our on-line resources, including our Safety Abroad Student Handbook and SAFETI Adaptation of Peace Corps Resources. (Please see below for links to these resources.)
In addition, the Center strongly suggests all parents and students review Avian flu information, travel and country-specific warnings provided by the U.S. Department of State, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization (WHO). The Center also suggests you seek alternative information from international sources in the
European Union, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and from the World Health Organization. (Please see below for links to these resources).
As program support varies from institution to institution, check to make sure that study abroad program staff at your U.S. home institution and abroad are monitoring the situation daily, reviewing the possible impact of Avian Flu on students and programs, and updating their emergency plans accordingly. Ask whether or not your institution is currently in the process of deciding whether or not to cancel programs in affected areas, reviewing transportation plans, or postponing pending study abroad programs in certain areas due to a potential health risk. For students returning from affected regions, inquire to see if your institution encourages you to get a check-up at your campus health center and remember to report any Avian Flu-like symptoms.
We haven't heard of any institutions canceling study abroad programs because
of Avian Flu at this time. However, it is critical that each student (with
advice from others) makes a decision supporting his/her health and safety on whether to study abroad, or continue studying, in countries affected by Avian Flu. Requiring the return of students abroad to the United States ultimately remains a decision that your institution and experts on campus, along with local and international guidance, will make. Students who voluntarily or non-voluntarily return to the United States before the ending date of their programs should consult their institution’s policies regarding program refunds and credit-transfer.
If you have any further questions, your first point of contact should be
study abroad administrators in the U.S. and abroad, your personal physician
and/or the the physicians at your college or university health center. In
terms of preparing for return to the U.S. in case of a problem, check to see if
there is emergency assistance coverage and what the response would be if an
outbreak of Avian Flu took place on the program abroad. For other health and
safety issues that may affect study abroad students, please refer to the Health and Safety section of the Safety Abroad Handbook and
our new Country-Specific Study Abroad Student Handbooks.
Following is important information to help you better
understand issues surrounding Avian Flu:
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have both provided resources and information to help you understand Avian Flu.
A Center Sponsor and Emergency Assistance Company, International SOS, has useful information and resources to help you as well.
CDC Avian Flu Info
WHO Avian Flu Info
International SOS Avian Flu Info
U.S. Government Resources:
U.S. Department of State
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
International Resources:
World Health Organization (WHO)
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control
Advice for travelers regarding Avian Flu
Canadian Government-Current Health Issues
Provides updated information on Avian Flu, including Public Health Agency of Canada recommendations
United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Provides travel advice and fact sheet on Avian Flu
Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Travel bulletin for health, with specific information and links about Avian Flu
The Center for Global Education’s Resources:
Other Resources:
- Higher Education Association Information
- Media Resources:
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