Update: February 3, 2020 | 3 p.m.
Fordham University is continuing to closely monitor the emerging public health problem regarding an outbreak of coronavirus (novel coronavirus [2019-nCoV]) in China. University Health Services has been keeping up to date with the information provided by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and New York City Department of Health officials, and is monitoring the progress of the outbreak in the United States and abroad carefully.
There are currently no confirmed nor suspected cases of this virus at Fordham University.
At this time, it is believed that the virus incubation period is from 2 to 14 days and infection can result in mild to severe illness. The symptoms may be similar to the flu or the common cold. In more severe cases, coronavirus can cause pneumonia and other complications, especially in infants, older individuals, and those with underlying health conditions.
Prevention is very important. Ways to stay healthy:
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
• Increase your fluid intake.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, mouth, and face.
• Keep home/personal spaces clean, disinfect common surfaces.
• Avoid contact with sick people.
• Cover your cough with tissue/paper towel or the crook of your elbow.
• If you have not received an influenza (flu) vaccine this year, do get one as soon as possible.
• If you are sick, please stay home and contact your medical provider.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention does not currently recommend the use of face masks among the general public to prevent coronavirus exposure. While limited person-to-person spread among close contacts has been detected, this virus is not currently spreading in the community in the United States.
Any student experiencing symptoms should call University Health Services (UHS) immediately:
• Lincoln Center: (212) 636-7160
• Rose Hill: (718) 817-4160
After business hours, contact the Department of Public Safety at (718) 817-2222. Someone will be available to take your call at this number 24/7.
Faculty and staff experiencing symptoms should call their primary care physician immediately for direction. Anyone experiencing symptoms should avoid class/work, and stay at home or in your residence hall room until you have consulted with a health care provider.
Students who have been in China in the last 14 days must contact University Health Services. They will be monitored through University Health Services.
Travelers who returned from China and who are experiencing symptoms (fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat) should seek medical attention immediately. They should call ahead to UHS, a provider’s office or the emergency room and let them know of their recent travel and symptoms.
Updated Guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Patients who meet the criteria below should be evaluated as a Patient Under Investigation (PUI):
• Fever and signs of lower respiratory illness (cough and shortness of breath) and any person (including healthcare workers) who has had close contact with a confirmed 2019-nCoV patient in the last 14 days
• Fever and signs of lower respiratory illness (cough and shortness of breath) and any person with a history of travel from Hubei Province in the last 14 days (not just Wuhan City)
• Fever and signs of lower respiratory illness (cough and shortness of breath) requiring hospitalization and a history of travel from mainland China within 14 days of onset
For more information, visit:
https://www.cdc.gov/
https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/
Maureen Keown, MSN, Director
University Health Services
