Coronavirus Update Jan. 28 2020: No cases in Colorado

Coronavirus Update

Coronavirus Update Jan. 28, 2020: No cases in Colorado

As of 1/28/20, there are no cases that meet the criteria for this illness on campus or in the state of Colorado.

I wanted to share an update on what UCCS has put in place to keep our campus community healthy during the current coronavirus outbreak. Wellness Center staff have contacted all individuals on campus from high risk areas to assess travel history and discuss symptoms to monitor for. We are also screening all patients who visit or call Health Services for upper respiratory and gastrointestinal related illness for travel history and exposure. We are also working closely with the local and state health department on any suspected cases for proper reporting and testing.

For up-to-date information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) please visit the following websites.

Additional Information about the virus is listed below.

Symptoms of coronavirus:

  • Fever
  • Cough
  • Difficulty breathing/shortness of breath

For the majority of cases, symptoms have been mild and resolved after several days.

When to contact a healthcare professional

  • If you have traveled to Wuhan, China within 14 days and are experiencing a fever and lower respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath, chest pain)
  • If you have had recent contact with a coronavirus case and are experiencing a fever or lower respiratory symptoms (cough, shortness of breath, chest pain).

Recent travel with cold symptoms should not trigger significant concern. Symptoms that seem to be worse including cough and fever are more likely to represent flu than coronavirus.

What can people do to protect themselves and others?

If you are traveling:

  • Avoid nonessential travel to areas that have been identified as high risk.
  • Avoid animals (alive or dead), animal markets, and products that come from animals (such as uncooked meat).
  • Avoid contact with sick people when possible.
  • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

If you feel sick with a fever, coughing or difficulty breathing, you should:

  • Except for seeking medical care, avoid contact with others.
  • Seek medical care right away. Before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms.
  • Don't travel while sick.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
  • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

— Stephanie Hanenberg MSN, FNP-C, FACHA