This notice is from the archives of The Notice Board. Information contained in this notice was accurate at the time of publication but may no longer be so.
In advance of the Christmas break, and because students, staff and faculty may be travelling abroad, or receiving visitors, during this time, the University of Lethbridge is sharing this advisory in regards to the outbreak of Ebola virus in West Africa.
The World Health Organization has declared an outbreak of Ebola virus in West Africa. In response, the Public Health Agency of Canada recommends that Canadians avoid all non-essential travel to Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
To date, there have been no confirmed cases of Ebola in Canada. Canada is currently following measures on advisement from the World Health Organization in order to detect, investigate and manage cases in the unlikely event that they arise here. Ebola poses a very small risk for our community at this time.
Ebola virus causes haemorrhagic fever in humans and animals, which can lead to heavy internal bleeding and organ failure. Ebola is contracted only through contact with bodily fluids, tissue of infected people and animals, or contaminated medical equipment.
Students, faculty or staff travelling, or considering to travel, to affected areas, or who are expecting to receive students or colleagues from affected areas, should contact Anne Baxter at Risk and Safety Services at 403-382-7176 or anne.baxter@uleth.ca. Further, the U of L encourages travellers to register their travel activities through the Registration of Canadians Abroad program offered by Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada. This program will notify you if there is an emergency within your travel region and allow users easier access to consular services. Travellers are urged to register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad Program.
If you have travelled to an affected country and return with possible symptoms of Ebola, Alberta Health Services (AHS) advises that you should call Health Link (1-866-408-5465) and follow their directions about where to go for treatment (or call 911 if it is an emergency). AHS asks that you not proceed to any medical facility without first contacting Health Link to ensure that the medical site can prepare for your arrival.
AHS has set up this webpage to access information for the public and health professionals.
The University of Lethbridge will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates when necessary.
Contact:
Trevor Kenney | trevor.kenney@uleth.ca | (403) 329-2710