Understanding that you may have heard news reports about a new virus, Coronavirus 2019-nCov, we want you to know that IUP does not have any reported or confirmed cases of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus at this time.
We ask that you consult official university communication channels, especially the IUP website, for updated information. You can also contact the IUP Center for Health and Well-Being for information.
Experts say that the virus causes respiratory illness in people and can spread from person to person. The virus was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.
The US Department of State has issued a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory for China. In accordance with this, there is a travel ban in place for all members of the IUP community for the People's Republic of China. This means that no student or employee is permitted to travel to China on university business.
The human coronaviruses can spread from an infected person to others through the air by coughing or sneezing; close personal contact, such as touching or shaking hands; and touching an object or surface with the virus on it, then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes before washing your hands.
Symptoms of the 2019-nCov have reportedly been mild to severe respiratory illness with:
Fever
Cough
Shortness of breath
If you or anyone close to you have been to China within the past 14 days and feel sick with fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, you can call the Health Service at 724-357-2550 for assistance—after hours you can access the Indiana Regional Medical Center Emergency Department. According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is no specific antiviral treatment for 2019-nCov. People with 2019-nCov should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms.
The Health Service is monitoring the emerging facts about the disease and working with the Indiana County Department of Health to understand and enact best practices for screening and treating any students that may report with symptoms.
While the immediate risk of this new virus is believed to be low, there are simple daily precautions that everyone should always take to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
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.
Cover your cough/sneeze with a tissue or the crook of your arm, and then promptly wash your hands, or use hand sanitizer if soap and water is not available.
Get plenty of rest/sleep.
Get the seasonal flu vaccine. Though not protective against the coronavirus, the seasonal vaccine may prevent against the flu which is circulating on campus and is known to cause possible severe respiratory illness.
Please direct any questions or concerns to IUP Health Service at 724-357-2550 or email health-inquiry@iup.edu.