1/26/2020, from Chief Health Officer Dr. Sarah Van Orman—We are updating the community in light of information that individuals in Los Angeles and Orange County in Southern California have tested positive with the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV). We are in contact with local public health officials; there is no known connection between the affected individuals and USC.
Local public health officials, under the guidance of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), will conduct a “contact tracing” measure with the identified patients, and proactively contact any individuals who might have had an exposure. They will work with any individuals who may be affected to check if any symptoms develop.
USC Student Health (part of Keck Medicine of USC) advises persons who recently traveled from Wuhan City or other affected areas in the past 14 days or have had close contact with someone suspected of having an infection with the 2019 novel coronavirus to watch for flu-like symptoms (fever and respiratory symptoms such as sore throat, cough, or difficulty breathing); and if experiencing symptoms, use a face mask and seek immediate medical care. Please call your health care provider in advance. If you are asymptomatic (not experiencing symptoms) you do not have to be seen by a provider.
<<See related USC Student Health FAQ page on 2019 Novel Coronavirus>>
<<This is an update to the previous community message dated January 23, 2020.>>
Students should call USC Student Health for medical care, 213-740-9355 (WELL). Counseling is available at the same number, for students experiencing increased anxiety or stress related to concerns about family in China. Faculty and staff should contact their healthcare provider if they have symptoms, and the Center for Work and Family Life (213-821-8100) for counseling support.
Additional updates will be shared with the community via email and the USC homepage: https://usc.edu.
For general questions or comments: call 213-740-6291 or email studenthealth@usc.edu.
