A message from the Student Health Service

The following message was sent on behalf of Dr. Cecil Price, director of the University’s Student Health Service, on Jan. 24 to students, faculty and staff:

Wake Forest University is aware of the situation in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China and the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). The university and the Student Health Service are monitoring the situation and following the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS). The following actions have been taken: 

1. The Student Health Service is evaluating all patients who present with symptoms of the 2019 novel coronavirus (fever, cough, and flu-like symptoms) to determine if they have been in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, or in contact with an individual with possible 2019-nCoV within 14 days of becoming ill. Signs have also been placed at the entrance to the Student Health Service instructing students who have been in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, to place a mask on and immediately report to our staff so quick placement in an isolation room can occur.
2. Students from Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China have been identified and provided information about the virus.  They have been instructed to notify the Student Health Service immediately if these symptoms develop.
3. The Student Health Service and the University Emergency Services Manager continue to monitor the situation and will update our protocols based on the recommendations of NC DHHS and the CDC.

The CDC has notified healthcare professionals that the incubation period (the time from potential exposure to the time illness develops) is 14 days. Students returning to campus from travel abroad would have, most likely, returned no later than January 12. We, therefore, do not expect any potential cases of this virus to occur on this campus related to that travel beyond January 27.

If you have been to  Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, within the last 14 days and developed the illness’ symptoms, please contact your health care provider immediately, and let them know you have been to Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China.  Symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath.

On campus, students may contact the Student Health Service 24/7 at 336-758-5218.  Faculty and staff are advised to contact their primary care provider. While travel to Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, increases the suspicion for the 2019-nCoV infection, it is likely  that the cause of symptoms is infection with the influenza virus (the flu). The campus and Triad region have begun to see an increase in incidence of the flu over the last week.

More information about 2019-nCoV can be found on the CDC website.

Wake Forest will provide an update to students, faculty and staff if necessary.