The University of Texas at Austin President Bill Powers sent the following statement to the campus community today:
Dear UT Community,
I wanted to share this information with you as soon as possible. On October 13, a University of Texas at Austin student flew on Frontier Airlines Flight 1143, on which a health care worker who has tested positive for Ebola also was a passenger. The student was not seated in the zone of concern on the plane, is not showing any symptoms, is monitoring body temperature, and is in daily contact with health officials, according to recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The student has been fully compliant beyond the CDC recommendations for possible Ebola exposure.
Health officials do not believe there is any health risk to campus at this time. However, in an abundance of caution, the student, who lives in a private residence, is staying home from class and away from campus activities. The university supports this decision and is providing academic and other resources that the student needs.
As president and as the parent of a current UT student, I want you to know that the safety of our students, faculty, and staff always comes first. We are working with city, state, and federal officials to monitor the situation and follow best practices. For specific information about the Ebola Virus please visit the CDC website.
Thank you,
Bill Powers, President
The University of Texas at Austin
Resources:
For information from University Health Services (UHS) about university preparedness on the Ebola virus disease, visit: http://www.healthyhorns.utexas.edu/ebola/
UT faculty and staff can call UT HealthPoint Occupational Health Program at 512-471-4OHP (4647) Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
UT students can call the UHS 24-Hour Nurse Advice Line 512-475-6877.
