Here at Viterbo University we are continually working to keep our students updated on the coronavirus situation, highlighting preventive measures they can take to protect themselves, and offering information related to travel and next week’s spring break as well as providing helpful links to keep them fully informed. The latest message to students was sent Tuesday, March 3. We’d like to keep parents in the loop, too.

Since our message to parents a month ago, the novel coronavirus—now called COVID-19—that started in Wuhan, China, has continued to spread globally. As of March 4, there were almost 93,000 confirmed cases in 75 countries and 3,160 deaths around the world, with the vast majority—90 percent—of cases and deaths in China. Cases in China appear to be on the decline, with 206 new cases reported on March 1, the lowest number of new cases since Jan. 22.

The U.S. has had 10 deaths in Washington state and one death in California as of March 4, with at least 80 total confirmed cases so far in 15 states, including one person in Madison, Wis., who had visited China. In addition, 49 people who have confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been repatriated back to the U.S. from Wuhan and from aboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship.

Italy, Iran, South Korea, and Japan, which account for more than 80 percent of the cases outside China, have increased their alert levels due to increases in cases of COVID-19.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) continue to closely monitor the situation both in the U.S. and abroad. Currently, the risk in the U.S. remains low for COVID-19. There are indications that person-to-person spread is occurring, most likely between close contacts.

Right now, the greatest risk of infection is for people in China or people who have traveled to China. Close contacts of people who are infected are at greater risk of exposure. Outbreaks of new virus infections among people are always of public health concern.

The risk from these outbreaks depends on characteristics of the virus, including how well it spreads between people, the severity of resulting illness, and the medical or other measures available to control the impact of the virus. The fact that this disease has caused illness, including illness resulting in death, and sustained person-to-person spread can be somewhat concerning.  

The symptoms of COVID-19 can be mild to severe, including fever, cough, and shortness of breath, and older people seem to be hit harder. Severe complications can include pneumonia and death. There are proven ways protect yourself from illness: 

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water is not available, use an alcohol-based sanitizer that is at least 60% alcohol. 
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your nose, eyes, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or into the elbow, then throw tissues away.
• Clean and disinfect regularly touched objects and surfaces. 
• Get the flu vaccine.

At this time, masks are not recommended for everyday use. Masks are in short supply and are needed for close contacts of infected individuals and health care providers. On the Viterbo University campus, we are continuing to closely work with the county health department and monitor the situation reports of the CDC and WHO daily.

Your student’s health is of the utmost importance to us. If you are concerned regarding your student, urge them to go to the health services office.

 For more information, check the CDC and WHO websites or contact Sue Danielson, Viterbo’s director of health services, at scdanielson@viterbo.edu.