Community Health Update: Coronavirus

Pitt's Community Health Update: Coronavirus

Free downloadable informational posters to prepare and prevent Coronavirus

COVID-19 Medical Response Office - Quarantine and Isolation Information - August 18

The University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown continues to monitor the outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus, 2019-nCoV, first detected in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. At this time, no suspected cases have been reported at any of Pitt’s campuses or in the Pittsburgh and Johnstown regions.

On our campus, we are taking the following precautions:
Screening all students visiting Health Service for recent international travel.
Reviewing the health and travel history information of individuals who reported traveling to and/or from China or other areas impacted by 2019-nCoV.
Reaching out to individuals who may have been impacted by 2019-nCoV.

In addition: Any student experiencing stress or concern about family members in China can visit our University Counseling Center for support.

Symptoms

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that patients with confirmed 2019-nCoV infection have reportedly had mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of:

fever
cough
shortness of breath

Treatment

Should you begin to experience any of these symptoms and have recently traveled to or near affected areas or been exposed to others who have traveled to or near affected areas, contact Health Services, or your healthcare provider immediately.

Prevention

Wash hands frequently
Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing
Avoid sharing cups, utensils, water bottles and other personal items
Stay home when sick and avoid others who are sick

Background on the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV)

Infections with 2019-nCoV are being reported in a growing number of countries, including the United States, where the first 2019-nCoV infection was detected in a traveler returning from Wuhan, China on January 21, 2020.

Person-to-person spread of 2019-nCoV is occurring, but at this time it is unclear how easily this virus can be spread from person-to-person. While severe illness has been reported in China, other patients have had milder illness. With this in mind, the immediate health risk from 2019-nCoV to the American public is considered low at this time.

The CDC and other health officials are taking proactive preparedness precautions. More cases are likely to be identified in the coming days, including more cases in the United States.