That's the good news, of course. The bad news is that it even came up — blame "an ill conceived and unfortunate prank."

From: Office of the Provost
Subject: Pathogen Warning a Hoax
To: ALL FACULTY
Date: Wednesday, April 15, 2009, 4:56 PM

A widely distributed warning to USC students and faculty about a potentially dangerous airborne pathogen on campus is a hoax. It is the work of Skull and Dagger, a university honor society, that annually creates a prank on campus.

This was an ill conceived and unfortunate prank that upset many in the community and we will be working with Skull and Dagger to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Sincerely,

Michael L. Jackson
Vice President for Student Affairs