Pandemic Response Plan

About Pandemic Illness

A pandemic is a worldwide epidemic of an infectious disease. A pandemic occurs when a new organism to which there is little or no immunity appears in humans spreading easily from person-to-person and causing illness among those infected. An outbreak of pandemic illness may persist in a community for weeks to months and may recur in waves over a longer period of time.

Pandemic influenza is the most familiar form of pandemic illness. Three influenza pandemics occurred during the 20th century. In June 2009 the World Health Organization declared the first pandemic of the 21st century; a pandemic caused by a novel influenza A (H1N1) virus. 

A severe pandemic can affect many areas of our lives. Public events may be cancelled; public transportation may be limited; long distance travel may be difficult; large numbers of people may be unable to work due to illness; schools may close; healthcare resources may be overwhelmed; and necessary services and supplies may be limited. Preparedness for the next pandemic is crucial.

Pandemic Planning at the University of Oregon

Individuals representing a broad spectrum of the campus community have participated in pandemic planning over the course of several years. The university has also collaborated with local and state partners to ensure that we will work together effectively in responding to a pandemic.

The university pandemic plan is intended to guide university-wide and departmental actions necessary to reduce, control, and respond to the effects of a pandemic illness on the students, staff and operations of the University of Oregon.

The university pandemic plan will allow a flexible university response which can be integrated with community and state response efforts. The priorities of the Plan are to:

  • Protect the health and safety of university students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
  • Identify pandemic-related action prompts  for progressively higher levels of university response. 
  • Identify and implement practices and actions to limit the spread of a pandemic at the University of Oregon. 
  • Promote effective communication and information sharing between campus and community responders, university administration, students, faculty, staff, families, and the general public.