Infectious Disease Outbreak

Typical Problem: Outbreak of meningitis, hepatitis, salmonella, anthrax, botulism, plague,
smallpox, or other health problem, which could cause an epidemic.

                    Typical Team Members: Director of Health Services
                                                           College Physician
                                                           Director of Amherst/Lynchburg County Health Department(s)
                                                           Dean of Co-Curricular Life
                                                           Executive Director - Marketing & Communications

College Actions: (Coordinated by the Health Center)	The Health Center staff will follow the American College Health Association Guidelines relating to infectious diseases. The Staff will obtain as much information as possible, type of problem, where, and how many people are affected.
	Health Center personnel will assess the problem, determine the risk to the community, and if needed, begin preventive measures to hinder the spread (if communicable disease). The Director will notify the other team members. The Dean of Co-Curricular Life, will notify the President of the College.
	If quarantine is deemed necessary, the Department of Safety will secure the area, allowing only authorized personnel to enter.
	Health Services will coordinate with outside agencies (collection of specimens, laboratory testing, immunization, and treatment of victims).
	Health Center personnel will notify the families of affected students. The Office of Co-Curricular Life provide information to the remainder of the student body.
	The Office of College Relations will coordinate any media releases that are necessary.
	Students, faculty, and/or staff in need or counseling services following the emergency will be referred to the Chaplain’s Office, the Health and Counseling Center or the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) as appropriate.