To the Students of Case Western Reserve University:
We write today regarding recent news reports about a new strain of virus that originated in Wuhan, China, and has led to two confirmed cases in this country.
University Health & Counseling Services is closely monitoring developments regarding this novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), and following guidance from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO). For our most current news, please visit our website.
People with this infection tend to have fever (at or above 100.4 degrees), cough and/or shortness of breath. Please keep in mind that this time of year is the height of cold and flu season; as a result, the presence of any of these symptoms does not mean the cause is this strain of coronavirus.
If you have flu-like symptoms and have recently traveled from Wuhan (i.e. within the last 14 days), or have been in contact with someone believed to have contracted this strain, please call 216.368.2450. A nurse will speak with you and arrange for you to see a medical provider to determine the actual nature of your illness. A nurse is also available on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 216.368.2450 for advice.
If you have been in Wuhan and/or been in contact with someone infected with the strain, but do not have symptoms, you do not need to take any action.
We recognize that some of you are feeling growing concerns about family or friends in China. Counseling services offers walk-in appointments during weekday office hours, as well as a counselor on call (at 216.368.5872) available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Again, our website offers the most recent updates for our campus. You also can learn more on the CDC’s pages regarding the new strain.
We will provide more information as it becomes available.
Sara Lee, MD
Executive Director of University Health and Counseling Services
Richard B. Pazol
Director of Counseling Services