Message Regarding the Novel Coronavirus

Wednesday, January 29, 2020; 3:45 p.m.

Dear Faculty, Staff and Students,

LSU is monitoring developments related to the Novel Coronavirus, known as 2019-nCoV, which was first identified in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. At this time, there have been no cases of the disease on campus, in Louisiana, or even in the Southeast region of the United States. The Centers for Disease Control, or CDC, has determined that the immediate health risk from 2019-nCoV to the general American public is considered low at this time.

However, the CDC does recommend avoiding non-essential travel to China. Before traveling, check the CDC’s website for health travel advisories or visit the site to learn more about this virus: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

This virus spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms are thought to appear within two to 14 days after exposure and consist of fever, cough, runny nose and difficulty breathing.

If you traveled to China in the past 14 days and are experiencing these symptoms, you should:

  • Seek medical care immediately. Before going to the Student Health Center, doctor’s office, or emergency room, call ahead and inform them of your recent travel and your symptoms so they can be prepared for your arrival and minimize exposure to others.
  • Avoid contact with others and avoid travel of any kind to help mitigate the spread of the illness.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when coughing or sneezing. (Covering with your hands will then spread the germs to anything you touch.)
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Any LSU students who traveled to China in the past 14 days and are not experiencing symptoms should contact the Student Health Center at 225-578-6271 for guidance and assistance.

Any LSU employees who traveled to China in the past 14 days and are not experiencing symptoms should contact LSU Human Resource Management at 225-578-8200 for guidance and assistance.

Members of the LSU community, especially those from China, who are not sick but have an increased level of anxiety about the situation can contact the Student Health Center’s Mental Health Service at 225-578-8774 to speak to someone or make an appointment.

The CDC also recommends every day healthy habits to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/actions-prevent-flu.htm

LSU will continue to closely follow all developments related to the Novel Coronavirus and will keep the campus community apprised of any major changes in the situation.