Reliable Sources on H7N9 (Bird Flu) in China
There are many news reports circulating about the H7N9 (“bird” or “avian flu”) virus in China. CET wants you to have the most reliable information possible. We are regularly checking the following websites, which we believe to be credible. We will continue to monitor these sites regularly for the latest information and we encourage you to do the same.
The World Health Organization, Global Alert and Response: http://www.who.int/csr/don/en/index.html
The Centers for Disease Control, Avian Influenza A (H7N9) Virus: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/h7n9-virus.htm
The Centers for Disease Control, Travelers’ Health: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/watch/avian-flu-h7n9-china.htm
Embassy of the United States in Beijing: http://beijing.usembassy-china.org.cn/04052013u.html
US Department of State, Travel Warnings and Alerts: http://travel.state.gov/
Note: As of this posting (4/10/13), the WHO reports “no evidence of ongoing human-to-human transmission. WHO does not advise special screening at points of entry with regard to this event, nor does it recommend that any travel or trade restrictions be applied.”
Avian Flu Outbreak in China
You may have heard news stories about the Avian Flu Outbreak in China. CET would like you to know that we are monitoring the situation carefully and keeping our students apprised of the facts. Here is what we are telling our students in China at this time:
- The risk of human infection from avian influenza is generally low, but it is greater for individuals with frequent, close contact with live poultry and/or wild birds.
- Stay away from live birds and undercooked poultry.
- Avoid areas where birds congregate.
- Wash hands regularly with soap and water; use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable.
If you would like further information about the outbreak, please see the World Health Organization’s Frequently Asked Questions on human infection with influenza A(H7N9) virus in China http://www.who.int/influenza/human_animal_interface/faq_H7N9/en/index.html. As always, please feel free to call us if you have concerns about the health and well-being of our students in China.
-Ingrid Lombardo, CET China Programs Manager
*4/8/13 UPDATE regarding influenza A(H7N9) virus in China
On 4/7/13, the World Health Organization issued an update that included the following statement:
“At this time there is no evidence of ongoing human-to-human transmission. WHO does not advise special screening at points of entry with regard to this event, nor does it recommend that any travel or trade restrictions be applied.”
Source: http://www.who.int/csr/don/2013_04_07/en/index.html.
**4/10/13 UPDATE
This is the latest update from the WHO on bird flu in China: http://www.who.int/csr/don/2013_04_09/en/index.html.
The conclusion remains the same: “At this time there is no evidence of ongoing human-to-human transmission.
WHO does not advise special screening at points of entry with regard to this event, nor does it recommend that any travel or trade restrictions be applied.”
Passover in Kunming
Written by Jack Momeyer (Middlebury College)
C.V. Starr-Middlebury School in Kunming, Student Correspondent, Spring 2013
Last night was the first all-Hebrew Passover I have ever celebrated. And it happened it Kunming, China.
My classmate Jonathan Weinstein was introduced by a classmate to some Israelis also studying Chinese in Kunming, and through this connection was invited to a Passover seder at a hotel not far from our university. He invited me to join him, and I eagerly accepted. After receiving an email from my Grandmother saying that she would miss me at this year’s seder, there is nothing more that I wanted than a celebration among a community who share my Jewish heritage.
We met up with Jonathan (or as I know him, 魏思谭)’s Israeli friend 夏龙 a few blocks from our dorm, and he walked us over to the hotel. I was immediately amazed by the spectacle. At the door, a Chinese lady asked us (in Hebrew) for 75 kuai for the seder. We responded in Chinese, explaining that we could not speak Hebrew and asking her how she came to learn this language of the Bible. She said it was just that – she wanted to study the Bible, therefore learned Hebrew. After taking our seats, I discovered that my neighbor (and several other Chinese) were there because they were also studying Hebrew, and wanted to better understand Jewish culture.
Most of the guests consisted of Israelis who, as I mentioned earlier, had also come to China to study the language. Some brought their Chinese roommates or friends. As all the attendees took their seats at two long, banquet-style tables, the Rabbi (whose tenor voice was a staple part of the celebration) began praying. While he prayed, his assistant (a cantor, and his wife’s brother) handed out prayer books so that everyone could keep up. It was all in Hebrew, with no English transliterations and English translations far and few in between.
CET Alumni Scholarships for Peking University HSBC Business School
Peking University HSBC Business School (PHBS) is currently offering up to five full-tuition scholarships specifically for CET alumni.
Recipients of the CET Scholarship must meet all PHBS admission requirements and submit their application materials prior to April 15, 2013. The five most outstanding CET alumni to apply for their Master’s programs will automatically receive a full-tuition scholarship, sponsored directly by the school.
Peking University HSBC Business School offers two-year, all-English Master’s programs in Management, Economics, and Quantitative Finance. Internationally accredited and led by a diverse faculty, PHBS is unique within China due to its cohesion of Chinese and international teaching styles and in its support for international students looking to take advantage of China’s growing financial market.
Currently PHBS is seeking qualified international applicants for the 2013-2014 academic year. International applicants are encouraged to apply before April 15th, 2013, and admission is decided on a rolling basis. Although located in PKU’s southern campus in Shenzhen, PHBS upholds the academic standards of Peking University and attracts top Master’s candidates from around the world.
For information on how to apply, please follow this link<http://english.phbs.pku.edu.cn/index.php?m=content&c=index&a=lists&catid=621>, or contact int [dot] admissions [at] phbs [dot] pku [dot] edu [dot] cn<mailto:int [dot] admissions [at] phbs [dot] pku [dot] edu [dot] cn>
CET Academic Programs