You may be aware of an evolving respiratory illness outbreak stemming from Wuhan, China, known as coronavirus. While the risk for Alabamians remains relatively low at this time, officials at The University of Alabama in Huntsville — along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) — are closely monitoring the ongoing situation.

This coronavirus can cause mild illness that can be overcome, but more severe cases can be life-threatening. Symptoms of coronavirus include but are not limited to fever, running nose, headache, cough, and the general feeling of being unwell. These are also symptoms of the common flu virus. If you have these symptoms, it is likely the common cold or a common strain of the flu. It is unlikely that anyone will be present with coronavirus at this time unless they have traveled to affected countries or had contact with someone who has (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html).

If you have any of these symptoms, please call the Student Health Center at 256-824-6775 (if a student) or the Faculty and Staff Clinic at 256-824-2100 (if an employee). This is especially important if you have had any recent travel.

UA System institutions have extensive expertise and systems in place to monitor and address possible infectious diseases. At this time, precautions should be taken generally to prevent the spread of any virus, including seasonal influenza (flu), which is still active across Alabama and the U.S. However, you should take general precautions like frequent hand washing to prevent the spread of any virus, including seasonal flu. If you have not received a flu shot, it is not too late; please contact your health care provider or pharmacy.

Students and employees scheduled to travel to China should observe the CDC travel precautions for China and remain away from Hubei Province, including the city of Wuhan. If additional precautions are needed, UAH will communicate appropriately at that time to further protect the health of our campus and community at large.

To submit an announcement, contact omc@uah.edu.
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