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There is now a CONTENT FREEZE for Mercury while we switch to a new platform. It began on Friday, March 10 at 6pm and will end on Wednesday, March 15 at noon. No new content can be created during this time, but all material in the system as of the beginning of the freeze will be migrated to the new platform, including users and groups. Functionally the new site is identical to the old one. webteam@gatech.edu
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Atlanta, GA | Posted: October 27, 2014
As Ebola cases continue to be reported in numerous countries, government agencies continue to take steps toward being better prepared to combat the virus.
Georgia Governor Nathan Deal signed an executive order Oct. 20 to establish a team of local experts, including representatives from the University System of Georgia, to issue recommendations on the virus.
The Georgia Department of Public Health has also offered guidance to colleges and universities on precautions to take regarding Ebola.
The 2014 Ebola epidemic is the largest in history, affecting multiple countries in West Africa. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and partners are taking precautions to prevent the further spread of Ebola within the U.S. by working with other government agencies, the World Health Organization, and other domestic and international partners. This includes implementing enhanced entry screening at five U.S. airports that receive over 94 percent of travelers from Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.
Still, Tech faculty offer the reminder that, although Ebola is dangerous, Americans are more likely to become hospitalized, or even die, from many other illnesses, such as influenza. Professors Ozlem Ergun, Pinar Keskinocak, and Julie Swann wrote a joint blog post on the topic at amplifier.gatech.edu on Oct. 21.
“For Ebola, you should direct what resources you can to Africa out of compassion and a concern for further spread,” they said. “But for yourself, you should take simple measures like getting appropriate vaccinations to reduce the impact of diseases that are much more likely to affect you and your family.”
Stamps Health Services continues to offer flu vaccines to Tech employees for $25. Upcoming flu clinics will take place Nov. 4, Nov. 18, and Dec. 2. More information is available at www.health.gatech.edu.
