UTSA monitors coronavirus outbreak

JANUARY 27, 2020 — Editor’s note: The following message was sent via email today from Dr. Lisa Montoya, vice provost for global initiatives and senior international officer and Dr. Beth Wichman, executive director and chief medical 0fficer, Student Health Services

You are probably aware of news reports about the coronavirus outbreak in China. Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses and usually only cause mild respiratory disease, such as the common cold. However, the outbreak in China has resulted in multiple deaths and five cases have now been reported in the United States in travelers from China.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is actively providing guidance on the outbreak and the UTSA Office of Global Initiatives (OGI) is carefully monitoring the situation due to our international student populations and study abroad programs. OGI will evaluate all UTSA travel requests that may be received based on guidance from UT System, CDC and the World Health Organization.

If you have questions about the impact of the coronavirus on international travel or study abroad, please contact the Office of Global Initiatives at (210) 458-7202. If you have health concerns regarding coronavirus or need more information, please contact Student Health Services at (210) 458-4142.

We want to remind you about the potential health impact of the many viruses and flu-related illnesses that typically occur during winter and the importance of taking measures to avoid becoming sick. We encourage you to follow these practices to keep yourself healthy:

• Wash your hands often with soap and water
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, then wash your hands afterwards
• Stay home if you are sick to prevent others from contracting your illness

UTSA has numerous health and wellness resources available to students. Free flu shots are being offered at Student Health Services’ Main Campus location (RWC 1.500) January 27-31 by appointment while supplies last, and at the SHS Downtown Clinic (Buena Vista 1.308) January 27-30 by appointment while supplies last. Faculty and staff should contact their doctor or pharmacy.

We will continue to update our campus community on the coronavirus outbreak as needed.

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