Pandemic Response
The world is currently dealing with the H1N1 (Swine Flu) pandemic [Pandemic
Alert Level 6*]. In addition, the H5N1 virus (Avian Flu) is still active
in many parts of the world [Pandemic Alert Level 3*]. The possibility of
increases in illness rates and absenteeism due to current or future epidemics or
pandemics poses a unique challenge to the college community. Concerns over
the global spread of infectious diseases continues to increase as travel becomes
easier between countries. Oakland Community College is preparing at all levels of operation
to address these unique challenges.
The college is developing plans and programs to address both the operational impacts of a pandemic and the public health aspects. These documents include:
Business Continuity Plan (BCP) - Focuses on actions necessary to maintain operations at the college in the event of a catastrophic event, such as fires, severe weather, and epidemics/pandemics, among other things.
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Disease Prevention and Control Program - Provides guidance on proper responses to different types of diseases at OCC facilities, including reportable communicable diseases, epidemic/pandemic diseases, bloodborne pathogens (supports OCC Bloodborne Pathogens Program), and other types of communicable diseases.
The college is working with the Michigan Department of Public Health (MDPH) and Oakland County Health Division (OCHD) to develop
the college's response procedures and to ensure that the information used is current and accurate.
UPDATES
To help keep the college community up-to-date on developments involving the
pandemic and how to help prevent infection and spread of the disease, OCC is
publishing periodic H1N1 updates. These updates are designed to build on
previous updates, so that you don't need to worry about missing important
information from previous issues. You can access the document by clicking
here.
OCC Links
Business Continuity Plan (BCP) (.pdf Document) [Pending]
Disease Prevention and Control Program (.pdf Document)
External Links
World Health Organization (WHO) Epidemic and Pandemic Alert and Response Website
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
U.S. Government Pandemic Flu Website
Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) Pandemic Influenza Plan (.pdf Document)
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Pandemic Influenza Plan
Oakland County Health Division (OCHD)
* WHO Pandemic Alert Levels:
|
Alert Level |
Phase |
Criteria |
|
1 |
Inter-pandemic Phase |
Low risk of human cases |
|
2 |
New Virus in Animals, No Human Cases |
Higher risk of human cases |
|
3 |
Pandemic Alert |
No, or very limited, human-to-human transmission |
|
4 |
New Virus Causes Human Cases |
Evidence of increased human-to-human transmission |
|
5 |
New Virus Causes Human Cases |
Evidence of significant human-to-human transmission |
|
6 |
Pandemic |
Efficient and sustained human-to-human transmission |