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News Release

Last modified: Wednesday, April 29, 2009

IU suspends summer study programs in Mexico

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 29, 2009

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Patrick O'Meara, Indiana University's vice president for international affairs, today announced that he has suspended all IU summer 2009 study programs in Mexico because of the increased health risks associated with North American Human Influenza A (H1N1), commonly known as swine flu.

The suspension will affect some 50 to 60 students at IU Bloomington, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis and IU South Bend, as well about 20 high school students.

O'Meara said his decision came after consultation with key university officials, including the IU Emergency Preparedness Committee. He noted that both the U.S. State Department and the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have issued advisories against non-essential travel to Mexico.

The suspension affects programs offered through the Office of Overseas Study as well as through departments, schools and campuses, and the IU Honors Program in foreign languages.

O'Meara said IU study-abroad staff will work with students who were to participate in these programs to help them identify alternative program options, as is feasible.

O'Meara also urged any IU faculty and staff who may be planning trips to Mexico to postpone them until the flu threat subsides.

Consideration about re-opening programs in Mexico will be given after travel advisories are lifted. IU officials will continue to monitor the situation on a weekly basis.

Here are links to the federal government travel advisories:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention travel warning -- https://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentSwineFluMexico.aspx

U.S. Department of State travel advisory -- https://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_970.html

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