Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to establish the procedures to be followed by the student body, faculty, and staff in the event of an contagious disease outbreak on campus. Implementation of these procedures whenever necessary will mitigate a potentially life-threatening situation.

Priorities

Embry Riddle Aeronautical University first priority is to each person's safety. In the event of an outbreak, the University is committed to preventing the spread of the disease and ensuring the safety of the campus community.

Expectations for Employees and Students

In the event of a suspected contagious disease outbreak on campus, immediately call Health Services at Daytona 386-226-7917.

Communications

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University will communicate with the campus community by the most appropriate of the following means if the situation warrants:

• CodeRED
• Siren
• Emails
• Campus Radio (WIKD Emergency Alert System)
• Campus website
• Campus TV
• Verbal instructions

Responsibility and Control

The Incident Command System will be used as directed by the National Incident Management System.

It is the responsibility of the University Health Services Department to determine if an outbreak has occurred and to forward that information to the Director of Health Services and Campus Safety.

These two departments shall work together to resolve the incident.

Emergency and Training Plans

RESPONSE

1. Contact Health Services at 386-226-7917 in the event of an actual or suspected contagious disease outbreak.
2. University Health Services staff or Residential staff will notify the Director of Health Services of a possible contagious disease outbreak. The two primary categories are food-borne gastroenteritis (see food poisoning and food borne illness) and meningitis, which is spread by exposure to respiratory secretions.
3. The Director of Health Services will contact the Volusia County Health Department at 386-274-0500 with case data. They jointly determine if an epidemic is threatened and if preventive action is necessary.
4. Campus Safety will be informed of the situation and instructed that the situation is being actively investigated.
5. Incident description and causative agent exposure concerns are communicated by Health Services to the Director of Safety who will determine if an Emergency Response Team shall be assembled.
6. The Volusia County Health Department works with the University Health Service to:
   • Notify Halifax Medical Center and other health care providers of the incident and coordinate information exchange and medical and transportation needs.
   • Identify causative agent.
   • Review standing links and make available information links regarding causative agent/disease.
   • Determine isolation measures.
   • Communicate information preventive measures throughout the community.
   • Establish phone banks to provide information
   • Triage possible victims.
   • Obtain necessary medications, supplies, location(s), and staff.
   • Set up treatment center(s).
   • Update and further advise the Emergency Response Team.

PREVENTION / RESOURCES

The Environmental Health & Safety Department conducts regular inspections of food services and campus swimming pools.

Persons exposed to serious contagious diseases should avoid public places and classrooms.

University Health Services staff is trained in recognizing contagious disease syndromes and alerting supervising medical officers.