Up-date from the Butler County General Health District on January 30, 2020, 3:20 PM:
In Ohio, two possible cases are being monitored in Miami University students in Butler County. The students have been isolated, and ODH is awaiting test results from the CDC. There are no confirmed cases in Ohio. Both possible cases had recently traveled and returned from China. Both possible cases are not severely ill and currently in isolation to keep the illness from spreading. Samples were sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Monday January 27th, 2020 .
Oxford, Ohio – Earlier today, Miami University Student Health Services notified the Butler County General Health District (BCGHD) of two possible cases of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV).
Both possible cases had recently traveled and returned from China. Both possible cases are not severely ill and currently in isolation to keep the illness from spreading.
Samples were sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Monday afternoon.
BCGHD recommends that unless you have recently traveled from China or have been around someone ill with this new virus, your risk of getting sick is low. “If you have traveled from China and are, experiencing signs and symptoms contact your doctor BEFORE going to the office.”
Miami students, who meet this criteria, and are experiencing signs or symptoms contact Student Health Services at 513-529-3000 before seeking care according to BCGHD.
Public health officials have described the immediate health risk to the campus community as low and say they continue to work closely with Miami University Student Health Services and the Ohio Department of Health to monitor the novel (new) coronavirus that has emerged from Wuhan, China, over the past few weeks.
“This is what public health does and why we train,” expressed Jennifer Bailer. “Our staff, officials at Miami University and the Ohio Department of Health are taking every precaution to keep the community safe. The same precautions that protect against catching and spreading the flu are likely to be helpful for this respiratory virus: Wash your hands regularly, avoid touching your nose and eyes, cover your mouth when you cough and sneeze and don’t go to work if ill. Displaying compassion to all people will be vital as the situation evolves.” This is a rapidly evolving situation and information will be updated as it becomes available. Guidance on the virus is available on the Centers for Disease Control website, www.cdc.gov.
Message to the Community from the Vice President of Student Life
January 28, 2020
On Monday morning, one student at Miami University presented at Student Health Services with very mild symptoms, and with their recent travel, met the criteria and are being tested for possible infection with the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV). Health providers quickly recognized that the presenting patient met the criteria for 2019-Coronavirus testing; results should be back from the CDC in the coming days. This student and his traveling companion are isolated in their off-campus residence while awaiting the test results. Miami and healthcare professionals continue to communicate and collaborate daily with the Butler County Health District and the Ohio Department of Health and are following their recommendations and protocols. We will share information with the community as it becomes available.
We are assisting and supporting these Miami students who are awaiting test results. We continue to work closely with local and state healthcare professionals and the Butler County Health District and Ohio Department of Health. If you are experiencing symptoms and have traveled to the impacted area, please first call Student Health Services at 513-529-3000 to receive guidance on next steps. Miami has set up a call center to address any general questions or concerns at 513-529-9000.
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- Meanwhile, we are still in flu season, and these precautions are recommended for both the flu and Coronavirus:
- Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- It is especially important to wash your hands:
- Before, during, and after you prepare food.
- Before you eat and after you use the bathroom.
- After handling cash.
- More frequently when someone in your house is sick.
- Before/after smoking/vaping.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
- Clean your doorknobs/light switches and areas commonly touched with disinfectant wipes frequently.
- Avoid contact with sick people.
Miami Health Services and Student Life professionals acted quickly with appropriate protocol, and we will continue to follow the best practices currently known. We have proactive partners in local and state healthcare. We will post updated information on myMiami as it becomes available. Please check announcements there regularly.
Jayne Brownell
Vice President, Student Life
Terri Buzzell
Director, Student Health Service
