September 1, 2009
Indiana University is not restricting travel or participation in study abroad programs despite the ongoing prevalence of H1N1 around the world, including the U.S. The Office of Overseas Study encourages all students abroad and other IU travelers to follow CDC precautions to minimize H1N1 contagion (see http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/). For details about the current spread of H1N1 around the world, see: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/updates/international/
Indiana University officials will continue to monitor the situation in case the flu situation necessitates programmatic changes. For IU-specific resources, see: http://www.iub.edu/~prepare/flu.shtml
May 18, 2009
12:00 noon Update
Patrick O’Meara, IU Vice President for International Affairs, after consultation with key university
officials including the IU Emergency Preparedness Committee, has announced that Indiana University
has terminated IU’s suspension of travel to Mexico. This is based on the May 15th decision of the
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to lift its Travel Advisory to Mexico as well as the U.S. Department
of State’s cancellation of its Travel Alert for travelers to Mexico. Nevertheless, those who decide
to travel to Mexico, as well as other parts of the world, should follow CDC precautions to minimize
H1N1 contagion (see
www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/#stay_healthy/).
IU summer programs to Mexico that were already formally cancelled will not be reinstated due to
the subsequent arrangements made in each case.
April 29, 2009
4:00 p.m. Update
Patrick O’Meara, IU Vice President for International Affairs, after consultation with key university
officials including the IU Emergency Preparedness Committee, announced today that Indiana University
will immediately suspend its summer 2009 programs in Mexico given the health risks associated with
the swine flu outbreak. These include all programs offered through the Office of Overseas Study,
as well as through departments, schools and campuses, and the IU Honors Program in Foreign
Languages.
The Centers for Disease Control and the U.S. Department of State have issued warnings cautioning
against all non-essential travel to Mexico at this time.
IU study abroad staff will work with students who were to participate in these programs to help them
identify alternative program options, as is feasible.
Consideration about re-opening programs in Mexico will be given after travel advisories are lifted.
IU officials will continue to monitor the situation on a weekly basis.
For full details, please see
official IU press release
April 27, 2009
4:00 p.m. Update
This afternoon the CDC and the U.S. Department of State have both announced that they will be issuing
Travel Alerts recommending against all non-essential travel to Mexico at this time. It is unclear how long these alerts
will be in effect.
The Office of Overseas Study continues to monitor reports and to consult with colleagues in the U.S.
and abroad. As we get closer to the starting dates of summer programs in Mexico, we will give serious
consideration to the health and safety situations in those locations, as well as any travel/transit concerns.
8:00 a.m. Statement
Indiana University officials in the Office of Overseas Study are closely monitoring information about the outbreak of influenza-like illness in the U.S., Mexico and elsewhere.
The CDC has not recommended that people avoid travel to Mexico at this time. The WHO is not recommending any travel or trade restrictions. WHO is in constant contact with the health authorities in the U.S., Mexico, and elsewhere to better understand the flu viruses pose.
The following Web sites provide general information and outline precautions advised by the CDC, WHO, and the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services:
Center for Disease Control and Prevention:
www.cdc.gov/swineflu
World Health Organization:
www.who.int/en/
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services:
www.pandemicflu.gov/
IU currently has no students on formal study abroad programs in Mexico. At this time, IU does intend to continue with plans to offer its 2009 summer programs in Mexico.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our office.
Please also see Indiana University's Emergency Preparedness Web site for additional statements:
http://www.indianauniversity.info/
Kathleen Sideli
Associate Vice President for Overseas Study
Office of Overseas Study
Indiana University
Franklin Hall 303
Bloomington, IN 47405-1223
Ph: 812-855-9304
Fax: 812-855-6452
sideli@indiana.edu
