July 5, 2006

Dear MassArt Community,

Re: Avian Flu

As you may have seen in the news recently, H5N1 avian influenza, also referred to as "bird flu," is receiving increased international attention as cases of bird-to-human transmission have been confirmed in Asia and parts of the Middle East. Although the H5N1 strain does not readily infect humans, concerns have been raised by scientists about the potential threat of a pandemic should the virus mutate into a strain that is transmissible from human-to-human. While there is no immediate risk to public health, world health organizations, local and national governments and many institutions, including Massachusetts College of Art + Design, are making preparations should a mutant flu strain emerge that results in a global outbreak.

MassArt's emergency preparedness team, including Communications, Health Services, Environmental Health and Safety, Facilities, Human Resources, Public Safety, Student Development, and senior management has been working to expand our emergency response plans to include protocols to cover flu pandemic. We continue to follow the latest developments that may affect the MassArt campus community by monitoring the Center for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Web sites, along with other sources related to avian flu. We also continue to share information with the Colleges of the Fenway and the Medical Academic and Scientific Community Organization (MASCO).

In an effort to provide current information about avian influenza and to answer frequently asked questions, we have gathered the following F.A.Q.s for your information. As necessary, we will also share any changes in the flu status through college-wide announcements with the subject heading "Avian Flu Update." All updates will also be posted on http://www.massart.edu/avianflu.

Please be assured that we are taking proactive measures to prepare in the event that avian flu affects our campus community.

Thank you.

Kay Sloan President