2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) Update

Published: Monday, February 3, 2020
Photo by iStock

NJIT Community Members,

We would like to share with you some updated information regarding the ongoing coronavirus outbreak, which was declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) a global emergency of international concern on January 30, 2020. NJIT has established a task force to actively monitor updates from the New Jersey Department of Health and the federal Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention regarding the Coronavirus outbreak as well as to provide further updates to the NJIT community when appropriate.

For information on managing concerns and emotions about coronavirus and resources available to students, faculty and staff, visit https://news.njit.edu/tips-managing-concerns-and-emotions-about-coronavirus.

 

What is novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV)?

2019-nCoV is a newly identified coronavirus that is causing an outbreak of pneumonia illness. It was first identified in December 2019 in the city of Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. Since then, the virus has been identified in multiple other countries, including cases in the United States.

According to the CDC, human coronaviruses are common throughout the world and usually cause mild to moderate illness in people. This new virus is a public health concern because it is newly identified and much is still unknown about it. In addition, two other human coronaviruses, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV, have caused severe illness.

 

What is the risk?

The CDC considers this new virus a public health concern based on current information. However, the immediate health risk to the general public within the United States is considered low at this time. The CDC and the World Health Organization are closely monitoring the situation and providing ongoing guidance. 

 

Symptoms and transmission:

Symptoms may be flu-like, ranging from mild to serious, and include:

  • Fever

  • Cough

  • Difficulty breathing

Person-to-person spread is occurring, although it’s unclear exactly how the virus is transmitted and how easily it spreads between people.

 

Prevention:

There is no vaccine to prevent this virus, and the CDC advises that the best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus.

Here are everyday actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses:

  • 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.

  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

  • Stay home when you are sick.

  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

The CDC also offers specific guidance for travelers. 

 

Treatment:

People who think they may have been exposed to 2019-nCoV should contact their healthcare provider immediately.

  • Before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and tell them about your recent travel and your symptoms. 

  • Avoid contact with others.

  • Do not travel while sick. Please do not get on public transportation or just arrive at the campus health service. Call instead.

  • 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. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available

Those infected with 2019-nCoV should receive supportive care to help relieve symptoms. According to the CDC, there currently is no specific antiviral treatment recommended for 2019-nCoV infection. 

 

Travel advisories:

The CDC recommends avoiding non-essential travel to China at this time.

As of January 29, 2020, the U.S. Department of State has raised the Travel Advisory level for China to a Level 3 – Reconsider Travel. For the city of Wuhan, China, and the Hubei province that has been increased to Level 4 – Do Not Travel. In addition, the CDC has raised the advisory level for all of China to Level 3 – Avoid Non-Essential Travel.

It is strongly advised for those who have traveled from China within the past 14 days and are showing signs of illness (e.g. fever, respiratory symptoms) to seek immediate medical attention. 

NJIT has suspended all international business travel by faculty and staff to affected areas, and the Purchasing Office has placed a travel restriction on any travel to China booked through Anthony Travel. Should you plan to travel to any location affected by the 2019 novel coronavirus, we are requesting that you notify Mitchell Gayer in the Office of Environmental Health and Safety prior to that trip. He can be reached at 973-596-5736 or gayer@njit.edu.

If you must travel, it is important that you:

  • Avoid contact with sick people.

  • Avoid animals (alive or dead), animal markets, and products that come from animals (such as uncooked meat).

  • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

  • Older adults and travelers with underlying health issues may be at risk for more severe disease and should discuss travel to Wuhan with their health care provider.

 

Due to the evolving nature of this situation, we are providing the following links to current information:

NJIT will continue active monitoring of this situation and will provide further updates as appropriate. Please follow the recommendations and guidelines above as we all try to assure the wellness of the NJIT community. If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Student Health Services at 973-596-3621. Thank you.