Warning About Acute Alcohol Poisoning Due to Drinking

Despite repeated warnings about the risks of drinking excessive quantities of alcohol, there have been several, recent incidents in which students required emergency hospital treatment after becoming critically ill due to acute alcohol poisoning. These students came dangerously close to dying.

You will naturally have the occasion to drink alcohol in the course of your studies, e.g., at club/circle gatherings or meetings with laboratory colleagues. Keep in mind, however, that if you consume a large quantity of alcohol in a short period of time, you run the risk of becoming quickly and severely intoxicated, falling into a coma, or even dying. There have been a number of cases at other universities in Japan of students dying as a result of acute alcohol poisoning after drinking excessively at parties organized by clubs/circles.

Always keep in mind and strictly observe the following when drinking alcohol.

1. Do not drink alcohol in a dangerous way, e.g., chugging large quantities of alcohol quickly, and never ask or encourage others to do so.
2. Underage drinking is strictly prohibited.
3. Never offer alcohol to someone who is easily affected by alcohol or unable to handle its effects.
4. Never drive a car or ride a motorcycle or bicycle after drinking alcohol.

Other incidents that are on the rise are traffic accidents involving bicycles, and illegal drug use. We sincerely hope that every student will behave maturely and sensibly in all aspects of their daily life, by respecting the rights of others and by respecting all applicable laws and regulations.

Measures to Protect Against Highly-pathogenic Avian Influenza

To counter the risks of avian influenza, keep in mind the points below and take all necessary precautions.

1. Washing hands and gargling

Take common precautions for protecting against infections, such as washing hands and gargling, on a day-to-day basis.

2. Careful handling of wild birds

1. Never handle dead birds encountered in the wild. If you find numerous dead birds in a particular location, report the matter to the local prefectural or municipal office.
   
2. Avoid approaching wild birds. If you come in close proximity to wild birds, wash your hands and gargle thoroughly.
3. Do not chase or attempt to catch wild birds.
4. Prevent birds or other animals you may have as pets from coming in contact with wild birds. Do not allow your pets to roam freely. In addition, take suitable measures to prevent wild birds from entering the area and their droppings from falling into the area. For example, erect galvanized sheeting or other roofing material over enclosures and check that there are no gaps in the netting. Never leave grain or other kind of bird feed or kitchen waste in a place where it may attract wild birds, and keep the area clean.