2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV): A Message to Faculty & Staff (Jan. 27, 2020)

We are sharing this letter to update the campus community about the recent illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus first identified recently in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Although we have no known cases at Denison, we want to share information about the outbreak and the protocols The Wellness Center uses.

This is the same type of virus that has been responsible for previous outbreaks such as SARS and MERS. It is believed that the virus was first transmitted to humans from animals in a particular seafood and animal market in Wuhan. It appears that the illness is likely now being transmitted from human to human.

Many cases of a pneumonia-like illness with several deaths are reported in China, and the disease has been spread by international travel to several other countries. At this point, the United States has five confirmed, and several others are currently being evaluated. We are following information from the Center for Disease Control (CDC), and, at this point, they have declared a Warning Level 3, which recommends that travelers avoid all nonessential travel to the affected areas in China. Travelers from the Wuhan area are being routed through 5 different US airports so that they can be monitored and instructed to report any fever and/or lung symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain occurring within 14 days of travel. Of course, the general public is advised to use precautions to avoid contact with anyone who has recently traveled from the affected area and is experiencing these symptoms. The CDC does not feel there is an immediate risk to the general population, but this situation needs to be monitored closely and could change in the coming days. A useful resource for official, up-to-date information is the CDC website, CDC Novel CoronaVirus Link.

The Wellness Center is following the CDC screening guidelines. All students presenting to The Wellness Center with complaints of cough, fever, or shortness of breath are being asked about recent travel and any known exposure to persons ill with the Coronavirus.

If students are concerned about their health, they should contact The Wellness Center to schedule an appointment with Medical Services. Students can schedule an appointment by calling 740-587-6200. Appointments are available Monday-Friday from 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.

The Chinese government has taken steps to restrict the spread in affected areas. Students from China and other countries may be concerned about family members and friends at home. Students who may be concerned and need support can schedule an appointment with a member of the counseling staff at The Wellness Center. Students can schedule an appointment by calling 740-587-6200. Appointments are available Monday-Friday from 8:30 am - 6:30 pm. Walk-in hours for counseling services are available weekdays, from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm, and 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm.

The Office of Global Programs (ISS/OCS) is also available to provide support to students who have concerns about family members and friends at home. Such concerns may impact a students’ well-being and they are strongly encouraged to meet with ISS/OCS.

Please remember we are experiencing flu season at this time of the year. We have confirmed 2 cases of influenza A at The Wellness Center this past week. As always, we recommend that well people should avoid sick people whenever possible and sick people should avoid well people. We recommend taking precautions such as covering coughs and sneezes, frequent handwashing, and maintaining optimal sleep and nutrition. Anyone who has not had the flu this season and has not yet had a flu shot should consider getting the immunization at this time. The complete protocol for the management of influenza will be forthcoming in a separate Communication. As always, if you have questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to The Wellness Center.