As of January 26, there have been five confirmed case of novel corona virus infection in the United States, including 2 confirmed cases in Southern California involving recent travelers to Wuhan City, China. Given this news, you are encouraged to read this message in total.

Humboldt State University’s primary commitment is to the safety, health, and wellbeing of all campus community members and campus visitors. We encourage all members to actively engage in healthy habits to help prevent contracting and spreading illnesses.

HSU’s Student Health Services team is actively monitoring the outbreak and known cases in the United States. The team is following the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). HSU is also in communication with Humboldt County public health officials.

What is the coronavirus?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is closely monitoring developments around an outbreak of respiratory illness caused by what is considered a new coronavirus. Coronavirus is a type of virus that causes diseases ranging from the common cold to more serious respiratory disease. The novel, or new, coronavirus was first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, and has since resulted in over 2,000 confirmed cases in China.

The CDC reports that patients with novel coronavirus have mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of fever, cough, and shortness of breath. Severe illness is more common in people with underlying health conditions or weakened immune systems and older adults, the CDC reports.

What should I do?

With increased influenza activity in the California, and the outbreak of novel corona virus infections, HSU encourages campus members to take certain active measures to protect against influenza-like illness and respiratory infections. Everyone should wash their hands regularly with soap and water for 20 seconds or use an alcohol based hand sanitizer if soap and water is unavailable. If you have a cough please use a tissue to cover your mouth or cough into your elbow. Avoid touching your face or eyes.

If you have symptoms of influenza-like illness or other respiratory infections, please stay at home and do not come to campus for school or work. Also, contact your healthcare provider to seek medical attention as soon as you are able.

All international travelers should stay up to date on Center for Disease Control and State Department recommendations as increasing infections internationally are likely to occur. Chinese New Year typically brings increased travel across China and spread of this coronavirus is likely to occur.

Students may seek medical attention from Student Health Services. If you are feeling unwell and have traveled to Wuhan, China during the month of January, please use a face mask and notify a member of the Student Health Services team by calling 707-826-3146 before visiting the Health Center. Faculty and staff are encouraged to contact their primary care providers for support.

The University is reaching out to our students from China to offer support and help with any questions or concerns about family and friends back home.  We recognize that this may be a particularly stressful time.

As always, any student that is interested in counseling and/or emotional support through Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), may call (707) 826-3236 to arrange an appointment or speak with a counselor by phone.

More Information

Accurate and up to date information about corona virus outbreak is available from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.