The following was message was sent to the Drexel community on Jan. 24 about the coronavirus.
Dear Drexel Community,
As you may be aware from recent news reports, there is a growing outbreak of the new and potentially fatal coronavirus, which was recently identified in Wuhan, China, and has quickly spread to neighboring countries. Health officials have confirmed two cases in the United States and are monitoring dozens of other patients.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) considers the risk to the American public to be low, but much about this new virus remains unknown. While we are not aware of the coronavirus impacting anyone in the Drexel community, we are advising everyone to please be alert and take precautions.
Following the guidance of the CDC Level 3 Warning and the US Department of State Travel Advisory, Drexel community members are advised to restrict all travel to Wuhan and the entire Hubei Province. Drexel travelers with upcoming plans to visit China may contact Marcia Henisz, the senior director of international health, safety and security, for more information and updates as this is a rapidly evolving situation. If you have traveled recently to China or other countries where the virus is present, please contact the Student Health Center so you can take part in any screening.
Most patients recover from the virus, but the symptoms include fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. The best way to limit the spread of viruses is through good hygiene, including covering your mouth when coughing; covering your nose when sneezing; washing your hands frequently; avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands; avoid close contact with people who are sick; stay home if you are sick; and sanitize personal spaces.
Drexel will continue to monitor the situation. In the meantime, please remain alert and take all necessary precautions.
Sincerely,
Subir Sahu, Ph.D.
Senior Vice President for Student Success
Janice K. Marini
Vice Provost for Global Engagement