UTA Policy on Smallpox

STUDENTS (including continuing education and distance learning)

Students who have been exposed to a known smallpox source within the last seven (7) days or are experiencing symptoms of the disease should remain off campus until cleared by a physician. Afterward, the student should go to UTA Health Services to obtain clearance for classes.

Students who live in UTA Housing should reside off campus until cleared by a physician. Students will be individually responsible for making arrangements with their instructors for class-related issues, and with UTA Housing for off-campus residence issues.

FACULTY/STAFF (including new employees, student workers, teaching and research assistants, and temporary employees)

Those who have been exposed to a known source of smallpox within the last seven (7) days should remain off campus until cleared by a physician to return to work, unless approved for telecommuting.

PREPARATION AND TREATMENT

UTA Health Services in conjunction with the Environmental Health and Safety Office have implemented preparation and control protocols should anyone with smallpox present for treatment or should a case arise on campus.

UTA Health Services has coordinated with local and county healthcare officials and providers to assure that appropriate measures are implemented for treatment of individuals diagnosed with smallpox.

UTA Housing Office has developed an emergency plan of action for possible isolation or quarantine should anyone residing in University housing be diagnosed with smallpox.

CONTROL STRATEGIES

The University recommends that faculty/staff and students limit contact with known smallpox sources. Anyone suspecting they have been exposed to smallpox should consult a physician as soon as possible.

A faculty/staff or student who has been exposed to a known smallpox source should not attend class, come to work, or attend a University event/function until diagnosis has been made and clearance given by a healthcare provider.

IMMUNITY FROM LIABILITY

Nothing in this policy may be construed to impose liability upon the state, the State Department of Public Health, the County Health Departments, The University of Texas at Arlington or any officer of The University of Texas at Arlington for damages resulting from an infectious disease screening, monitoring, and/or treatment plan.