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H1N1 Screenings and On-site Resources: Beijing and Pune
If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms (including a fever) prior to departure, we recommend that you delay your travel until you are free of symptoms. If your departure is significantly delayed, please contact Study Abroad immediately so we can be in touch with on-site personnel as needed.
Some travelers entering Asia have been quarantined upon arrival or have experienced delays due to H1N1 influenza screenings. Though many travelers continue to enter China and India without difficulty or delay, students should be aware that quarantine is possible. Foreign travelers must follow local procedures regarding screenings, quarantines and any other public health measures.
Beijing
In Beijing, some local authorities are imposing mandatory quarantine periods on travelers with elevated temperatures or who arrive on flights with suspected cases of H1N1. Passengers are being asked to complete and submit a health declaration card to the air carrier. The following Warden Message, issued by the U.S. Embassy in Beijing on June 1, 2009, provides a detailed explanation of the current H1N1 screening measures in China: http://beijing.usembassy-china.org.cn/060109u.html.
CET Academic Programs, our partners in Beijing, have posted detailed information on their website regarding the precautions local governments are taking to prevent the spread of H1N1, what is required of students upon landing, and how CET will respond in the event of an outbreak among students. The complete PDF document can be read here. CET and Chicago staff on site will work with local health officials to provide accommodation, as necessary, for any students who become ill. In Beijing, there are a variety of Chinese and international clinics and hospitals from which to choose, and students will be provided with more information about these facilities upon arrival. Both CET’s Resident Director in Beijing and the Chicago Graduate Assistant are prepared to help take students to the clinic or hospital if needed.
Pune
The British Broadcasting Service reports that passenger screening has been introduced across India's main 22 international airports. Passengers are also required to complete a health questionnaire, and anyone exhibiting flu-like symptoms may be subject to quarantine. In Pune and other Indian cities, educational institutions and cinemas have had temporary closures in an attempt to stop the spread of H1N1 in the region. Detailed information about the Indian government’s H1N1 screening, quarantine and treatment procedure is provided in the following June 19, 2009 Warden Message, issued by the U.S. Embassy in New Delhi: http://newdelhi.usembassy.gov/h1n1flu.html.
Good quality medical care is widely available in Pune, and our on-site staff have been working directly with local medical professionals to establish efficient practices for the care of our students. We have an on-call relationship with a medical practice in Pune and have procedures in place for immediate treatment at a nearby medical facility should any of our students show flu symptoms. We have also made arrangements for individual accommodations, if necessary, for students who become ill. Two H1N1 medications, Tamiflu and Zanamivir, are readily available in India.
We advise our program participants to familiarize themselves with the most current H1N1 virus developments via the following websites:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention H1N1 Information
World Health Organization H1N1 Information
U.S. Department of State Medical Information for Americans Abroad
Flu.gov
Contact Information
Questions and concerns about Chicago's Programs Abroad may be addressed to:
The Study Abroad Office
Harper 203
studyabroad@uchicago.edu
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Study Abroad Office, Harper 203