What is novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV)?

2019-nCoV is a newly identified coronavirus that is causing an outbreak of pneumonia illness. It was first identified in December 2019 in the city of Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Since then, the virus has been identified in multiple other countries, including cases in the U.S.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), human coronaviruses are common throughout the world and usually cause mild to moderate illness in people. This new virus is a public health concern because:

• It is newly identified, so much is still unknown about it.
• Two other human coronaviruses, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV, have caused severe illness.

What is the risk?

The CDC considers this new virus a public health concern based on current information. However, the immediate health risk to the general US public is considered low at this time. The CDC and the World Health Organization are closely monitoring the situation and providing ongoing guidance. 

Symptoms and Transmission

Symptoms may be flu-like, ranging from mild to serious, and include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Difficulty Breathing

Person-to-person spread is occurring, although it’s unclear exactly how it is transmitted and how easily the virus spreads between people.

If you travel to/through Wuhan or other parts of China:

The CDC recommends avoiding non-essential travel to Wuhan, China. Chinese officials have closed transport within and out of Wuhan, including buses, subways, trains, and the airport. If you must travel:

• Avoid contact with sick people.
• Avoid animals (alive or dead), animal markets, and products that come from animals (such as uncooked meat).
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Older adults and travelers with underlying health issues may be at risk for more severe disease and should discuss travel to Wuhan with their health care provider.

Students who plan to study or travel abroad with university-sponsored programs should their program coordinator for updates and guidance.

Treatment

People infected with 2019-nCoV should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms. Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for 2019-nCoV infection. See CDC for additional information.

Prevention

There is no vaccine to prevent this virus, and the CDC advises that the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus.

Currently, 2019-nCoV has not been found to be spreading in the U.S., so there are no additional precautions recommended for the general public to take. 

Here are everyday actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Recommendations for People with Respiratory Symptoms

If you have symptoms of fever, cough, and/or difficulty breathing and in the last 14 days, you:

• Traveled to Wuhan, or
• Visited an affected region in China, or
• Had close contact with someone who had traveled to an affected region in China and had respiratory symptom

You should:

• Seek medical care right away. Before you go to your campus health center, a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms. 
• Avoid contact with others.
• Do not travel while sick.
• Please do not get on public transportation or just arrive at the campus health service. Call before you come in!
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

What is the campus health service doing about 2019-nCoV?

To find out how your campus is working to prevent coronavirus and protect everyone on campus, visit your campus website; most campuses have posted detailed information on what students should know, where and when to seek treatment, and how to prevent the spread of coronavirus and other respiratory illnesses.

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