At this time you are more likely to be struck by lightning than contract Ebola in the United States. It鈥檚 a highly unlikely event. But as we鈥檝e seen in media coverage in recent weeks, it鈥檚 not impossible. So our campus is creating response plans in the same fashion we prepare for floods, fires and other emergencies.
Two weeks ago, CU-Boulder Emergency Manager Stu Pike and I convened our campus Emergency Management Operations Group to discuss how we would respond if Ebola were detected in our community or at the university. We have since set up committees to plan for various aspects of response. We鈥檝e been working closely with Boulder County Public Health and other local and state agencies, and we are following all guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
CU-Boulder has no study-abroad programs in the West African nations affected by Ebola outbreaks. Furthermore, we do not have students, faculty or staff on official travel assignments there. There are no known Ebola cases in Colorado.
If you have not recently traveled to West Africa or been exposed to someone with Ebola, there isn鈥檛 much to be concerned about. Unlike many other viral diseases, Ebola is only spread through direct contact with blood or other bodily fluids of those who are symptomatic with the disease. It is not spread through the air, water or food. I would advise you to visit the , where you can find Ebola guidance and facts from the CDC and other health agencies.
I would also highly recommend that you get a flu shot. You are infinitely more likely to contract the flu than Ebola. Students can get free flu shots at For faculty and staff, most health insurance plans cover free flu shots.听
If you have questions about Ebola during normal business hours, please contact the Wardenburg Health Center at 303-492-5101 or Wardenburg@colorado.edu. If you have traveled to West Africa in the past 21 days and have a fever above 100.4 degrees, severe headache, vomiting or stomach pain, please call the CU Police dispatch center at 303-492-6666 on evenings and weekends. They鈥檒l contact the appropriate staff from Wardenburg.
It鈥檚 important for the campus to be prepared for any potential emergency. You can rest assured that your campus leaders are approaching Ebola response planning in the same manner. We are closely monitoring this situation and will keep you apprised of any critical updates.
厂颈苍肠别谤别濒测,听
Donald A. Misch, M.D.
Senior Assistant Vice Chancellor for Health and Wellness