Updated 1/28/20: Please find FAQ’s here for the DePauw Community.

 

Dear DePauw Community,

 

There is a new virus that has been identified in Wuhan, China, Hubei province that the US Centers for Disease Control is monitoring.

 

There are currently NO cases in the DePauw campus community.

 

Below is current information from the Centers for Disease Control, our resource for up to date information.

Key Points

• There is an ongoing outbreak of respiratory illness first identified in Wuhan, China, caused by a novel (new) coronavirus.
• Person-to-person spread is occurring, although it’s unclear how easily the virus spreads between people. Other parts of China have had cases among people who traveled from Wuhan.
• The situation is evolving. This notice will be updated as more information becomes available.

What is the current situation?

A novel (new) coronavirus is causing an outbreak of respiratory illness in the city of Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. This outbreak began in early December 2019 and continues to expand in scope and magnitude. Chinese health officials have reported hundreds of cases in the city of Wuhan and severe illness has been reported, including deaths. CDC recommends that travelers avoid non-essential travel to Wuhan. Cases have also been identified in travelers from Wuhan to other parts of China and the world, including the United States. Person-to-person spread is occurring though it’s unclear how easily this virus is spreading between people at this time. Signs and symptoms of this illness include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. CDC also is conducting entry screening of passengers on direct and connecting flights from Wuhan, China to five major airports: Atlanta (ATL), Chicago (ORD), Los Angeles, (LAX) New York city (JFK), and San Francisco (SFO).

What can travelers do to protect themselves and others?

• CDC recommends avoiding non-essential travel to Wuhan, China. Chinese officials have closed transport within and out of Wuhan, including buses, subways, trains, and the airport. Remain alert if traveling to other parts of China by practicing the precautions below.

Travelers to China should

• Avoid contact with sick people.
• Avoid animals (alive or dead), animal markets, and products that come from animals (such as uncooked meat).
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

If you traveled to China in the last 14 days and feel sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, you should:

• Seek medical care right away. Before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.
• Avoid contact with others.
• Not travel while sick.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

Please call DePauw Health at 765-658-4555 to schedule an appointment if you develop a fever and respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath) and you traveled to China in the past 14 days. If you are asymptomatic, you do not have to be seen by a provider. If you need care outside DePauw Health Office hours, please click the following link with local resources for care https://depauwhealth.org/after-hours-care/.

 

Everyone is reminded that influenza and other viruses are circulating in the central Indiana community. Please use good hygiene as noted above. If you have not yet had your flu shot, please consider getting one by calling the health center for an appointment.

 

Students feeling stressed/concerned about the situation in China or students concerned about family members in China are reminded that DePauw Counseling is available to help by calling 765-658-4268. Faculty and staff may contact the health center or their health care provider for an appointment.

 

Please call with any questions or concerns as we stand ready to assist. We continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates as indicated.

 

 

Sincerely,

David Harsha, MD

Medical Director, DePauw Health