Health Advisory: About the Coronavirus

There have been recent news reports of a new (novel) strain of coronavirus which is causing an outbreak of severe pneumonia illness in the city of Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. This outbreak began in early December 2019 and continues to expand in scope and magnitude. There have been 17 deaths in China attributed to this infection. Global surveillance is in the early stages and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expect more cases to be confirmed in China and beyond its borders.

CDC Is Monitoring

The CDC is closely monitoring the outbreak caused by this novel coronavirus. The first case in the United States, on the west coast, was announced on January 21, 2020. There are ongoing investigations to learn more. More are expected to emerge over the coming days and weeks. At this time, there are no reported cases in New Jersey.

Individuals who meet the following criteria should be evaluated in association with the outbreak of 2019-nCoV in Wuhan City, China. You can contact the University Health Center (UHC) or your healthcare provider if you are experiencing the following symptoms:

1. Fever AND symptoms of lower respiratory illness (e.g., cough, shortness of breath) AND in the last 14 days before symptom onset:
   • • History of travel from Wuhan City, China

   OR

   • Close contact with a person who is under investigation for 2019-nCOV while that person was ill.
2. Fever OR symptoms of lower respiratory illness (e.g., cough, shortness of breath) AND in the last 14 days before symptom onset:
   • Close contact with an ill laboratory-confirmed 2019-nCoV patient.

Health Center Screenings

At the University Health Center, we routinely screen all students for recent travel and mask and follow other precautions for anyone with potentially infectious respiratory symptoms, no matter where they have been.

The UHC is following the CDC and local public health department recommendations. For more information you can view the CDC’s web page.

General Precautions

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available. Frequently, and certainly after sneezing or before/after touching your face or a sick person.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
• Avoid contact with others who are sick and do not travel while sick.