The Schiffert Health Center, Virginia Tech Emergency Management, Outreach and International Affairs, and other university leadership are proactively monitoring an outbreak of respiratory illness caused by a new coronavirus (termed “2019-nCoV”) that was first detected in Wuhan City, Hubei Province, China, and which continues to expand.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed the first cases of 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) in the U.S. near Seattle, Washington State, and Chicago.
The CDC has confirmed that there is limited person-to-person spread, but it is still unclear how this virus is spreading between people. While severe illness, including illness resulting in a number of deaths has been reported in China, other patients have had milder illness and been discharged.
The CDC is closely monitoring the situation and is working with the World Health Organization (WHO). It is important to know that based on current information, the immediate health risk from 2019-nCoV to the general American public is deemed to be low at this time.
All individuals visiting Schiffert Health Center are screened prior to their appointment for any recent international travel. Those who have traveled from China to the U.S. will be asked questions about their health and travel history.
The Schiffert Health Center advises anyone who has traveled to Wuhan City within the past 14 days and is experiencing a fever with or without respiratory symptoms.to seek medical care and alert a healthcare provider.
All university community members with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact the Schiffert Health Center at 540-231-6444. Any faculty, staff, or students with upcoming travel to Wuhan, China or other areas of concern should contact vtglobalsafet@vt.edu or 540-231-2867.
As a reminder, seasonal influenza activity in the U.S. and in Virginia continues to be high. A flu shot is the best way to get protection from the flu. For students, the Schiffert Health Center still has flu vaccines available. Schedule an appointment for a flu shot by calling 540-231-7621.
For employees, vaccinations are available at most local pharmacies and through healthcare providers. State health plan members may get a free flu vaccine at pharmacies participating in their health plan’s network. COVA Care, COVA HDHP and COVA HealthAware members also may receive flu shots at no cost from network physicians’ offices and other participating providers. Kaiser Permanente HMO members must go to a participating Kaiser medical center.
