On Jan. 23, the USC Student Health staff issued a statement to update students on the developing coronavirus situation and to offer guidance to help prevent infection. While the announcement is primarily student-facing, some information may be helpful to clinicians, patients, and other readers of HSC News. Current updates can be found here.
USC Student Health has distributed the following information regarding the Wuhan Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV):
Key points from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
- There is an ongoing outbreak of pneumonia 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.
- Preliminary information suggests that older adults and people with underlying health conditions may be at increased risk for severe disease from this virus.
- Travelers to Wuhan should avoid contact with sick people, animals (alive or dead) and animal markets.
- Travelers from Wuhan to the United States, and other countries, may be asked questions about their health and travel history upon arrival.
The situation with regard to 2019-nCoV is still unclear. While severe illness, including illness resulting in four deaths, has been reported in China, other patients have had milder illness and been discharged.
Keep informed on the CDC website.
On campus: what you can do
USC Student Health advises persons who recently traveled from Wuhan (in the past 14 days) or have had close contact with some suspected of having an infection with the novel coronavirus to watch for flu-like symptoms (fever, muscle or body aches, sore throat and cough, fatigue, headaches); and if experiencing symptoms, use a face mask and call 213-740-9355 (WELL) to come in and see a medical provider. If you are asymptomatic (not experiencing symptoms) you do not have to be seen by a provider.
Students who are experiencing increased anxiety or stress related to concerns about family in China may see a counselor; call 213-740-9355 (WELL) to arrange an appointment. Students are also encouraged to join the special “Let’s Talk” section for International Students that is offered in the Office of International Students Royal Street Structure Suite 101, Tuesdays 1:30-2:30 p.m., facilitated by Alice Phang. No appointment is necessary, drop-ins are welcome at this section.