Sample Notification of Contagious Disease Exposure (such as Swine Flu)

This message is going to all employees in our [insert location] office.

Dear [insert location] Employees:

A confirmed case of Influenza A (H1N1) (also referred to as the swine flu) has been reported at the [insert location] office. We ask all employees to respect the privacy of the individual employee in question, and that employee’s medical information. We have confirmed the employee contracted the virus while at home, caring for a sick family member, and was not and has not been at work since contracting the virus.

The employee was last in the office on [insert date]. The employee and family members are under quarantine. The employee will not return to work until the employee receives a medical release from the employee’s treating physician, confirming the employee will not present any risk to exposing others to the virus. The Company does not believe any employees working in the [insert location] office were exposed to the H1N1 virus due to this single reported incident.

While we have no reason to believe that any of our [insert location] employees are at risk, it is always prudent for individuals to take appropriate precautionary measures, intended to help prevent exposure. The following measures were previously provided on the company employee portal website on [insert date].

What can I do to protect myself from getting sick?

There is no vaccine available right now to protect against the H1N1 virus. There are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza.

Take these everyday steps to protect your health:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you get sick with influenza, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

What are the signs and symptoms of swine flu in people?

The symptoms of the H1N1 virus in people are similar to the symptoms of regular human flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with the H1N1 virus. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, the H1N1 virus may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.

What should I do if I develop flu like symptoms?

First and foremost, the CDC is recommending that you not come to work. If you exhibit these symptoms outside of work, please do not come to work until you have spoken with your doctor, and then call your manager. If you exhibit these symptoms at work, please inform your manager immediately.

What should I do if I suspect that I’ve been exposed or I believe a co-worker has been exposed to someone with the H1N1 virus?

Please contact your manager. Your manager and human resources will discuss with you any concerns that you may have and what reasonable accommodations may be necessary, based upon those concerns.

If you suspect or have reason to believe that you have contracted the H1N1 virus (through the diagnosis by a medical practitioner) what actions should you take?

Thank you to everyone for your responsible action during this period. If you have additional questions please contact [insert contact name].

Best,

John Doe

[Title]

Reprinted with permission. © CCH

<p>Many businesses want to prepare for handling internal communications in the event of a contagious disease outbreak such as the Swine Flu. This sample notification is intended as a general guide.</p>

Sample Notification of Contagious Disease Exposure (such as Swine Flu)

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