| Avian Flu (H7N9) in China North Korea and South Korea Relations Avian Flu (H7N9) in China April 24, 2013 On April 1, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that influenza A (H7N9), a type of flu usually seen in birds, has been identified in a number of people in China. Recently, a case was reported in Taiwan. This is the first time this virus has been seen in people. H7N9 flu symptoms include fever, cough, and shortness of breath leading to severe respiratory illness and, in some cases, death. Chinese health authorities are conducting investigations to find the source of the infections. Additionally, HTH Worldwide is recommending the following: The H7N9 virus should be treated like all others. Follow the universal precautions listed below, avoid unnecessary travel to regions where the virus is endemic, and consider the use of an N95 respirator mask in open, public places frequented by birds of any type or large crowds. These universal precautions are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Take these steps to protect your health: • Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. • Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way. • Try to avoid close contact with sick people. We are monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates where appropriate. North Korea and South Korea Relations April 9, 2013 If you are following news reports surrounding the North Korean response to recent UN sanctions, you may have hesitation or questions about studying abroad in South Korea. We at GlobaLinks Learning Abroad are monitoring the situation closely with input from the US Department of State, our Health and Safety partner: HTH Insurance, our colleagues at Korea University and our Resident Coordinator based in Seoul. At this time, we have no concern for the safety of our participants studying in South Korea at Korea University nor do we feel that the situation will disrupt the study abroad plans of future participants. The U.S. Embassy released a statement on April 4, 2013 informing U.S. citizens that despite current political tensions with North Korea there is no specific information to suggest there are imminent threats to U.S. citizens or facilities in the Republic of Korea (ROK). The Embassy has not changed its security posture and we have not recommended that U.S. citizens who reside in, or plan to visit, the Republic of Korea take special security precautions at this time. You can read the message from the U.S. Embassy here. The safety and security of our students is a top priority, and we will keep our participants informed of any changing developments. As part of our mission of Student Discovery, our Resident Coordinator in Seoul has arranged for current participants to meet with scholars on North/South Korean relations to learn more about current issues surrounding North Korea and its impact on world affairs. We are helping facilitate student learning on this topic and encourage those who are interested to share their stories with others through video interviews and articles. The staff at GlobaLinks Learning Abroad and Korea University look forward to welcoming study abroad students to Seoul this summer and fall semester. To stay informed on information if/when released by the U.S. Department of State, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP https://step.state.gov/step/).
|