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Dear MSU community,
On a global stage, the strain of coronavirus that causes COVID-19 continues to evolve as Mississippi State University continues to monitor the situation and provide our students, faculty, and staff the most comprehensive information. This message represents our second direct email advisory since federal and state officials began their monitoring of the virus in earnest last month.
MSU offers these resources to those seeking information on the coronavirus (COVID-19): https://www.msstate.edu/newsroom/article/2020/02/msu-monitoring-coronavirus
This landing page now contains access to the Johns Hopkins University Coronavirus Dashboard and to a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document.
The epicenter of this outbreak is Wuhan, China. Lesser numbers have been reported in several other countries, and, as of March 5, 2020, there were 99 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the U.S. The Johns Hopkins University Dashboard cited 233 confirmed U.S. cases as of March 6.
To date, there have been no cases of COVID-19 reported at MSU or in Mississippi. However, health officials worldwide recognize that this is a rapidly evolving situation and that recommendations of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. State Department, and the Mississippi Department of Health (MSDH) are subject to frequent change.
At present, MSU is not approving travel to countries that have widespread transmission risk level as indicated by a CDC Level 3. On March 6, this includes China, South Korea, and Italy. MSU is discouraging travel to CDC Level 2 and 1 status countries, which today includes Japan and Hong Kong. Students and employees are asked to reconsider all non-essential international travel. For more, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/index.html
MSU is communicating directly with students and faculty impacted by study abroad programs to address their status. That process is ongoing.
We encourage all students and parents to monitor the CDC website as it provides the most current reference: Novel 2019-2020 Coronavirus Infections – Click here for more information from the CDC
MSU’s Longest Student Health Center is working closely with campus partners and experts at the MSDH to strategically monitor this evolving public health issue. MSDH consults directly with the CDC.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:
- MSU has had no suspected cases of coronavirus, and MSU has not been notified of any member of the campus community with the virus.
- The risk for Mississippians currently remains relatively low and MSU — along with the CDC and the MSDH — is closely monitoring the situation. Coronavirus can cause mild illness that can be overcome, but more severe cases can be life-threatening.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:
- Take general precautions like frequent hand washing to prevent the spread of any virus, including seasonal flu, which is still active across Mississippi, the Southeast, and the U.S.
- If you have not received a flu shot, it is not too late. For additional advice on flu facts and prevention, visit gov/flu.
- If you have flu-like symptoms, it is likely the common cold or a common strain of the flu. Symptoms of coronavirus include, but are not limited to, fever, runny nose, headache, cough, and the general feeling of being unwell; these also are symptoms of the common flu virus.
- If you have concerning symptoms, call the MSU Longest Student Health Center prior to visiting at (662) 325-2431 or after hours at (1-800-882-6274).
Students and employees who have traveled from impacted areas in the past 14 days and who have a fever, cough, or difficulty breathing should contact the Health Center or seek appropriate care immediately.
All incoming patients arriving at the MSU Longest Student Health Center with cough, sneezing, sore throat, fever, and respiratory issues will be masked to protect other patients as we evaluate the cause of their illness.
All incoming patients will be asked to provide a travel history to determine if they are at risk for the newly identified coronavirus. MSU community members who have recently traveled in impacted areas and returned in recent weeks have been asked to self-isolate in keeping with CDC and MSHD protocols. All have complied.
Prevention is a key strategy with any virus, such as influenza or coronavirus, so it is important to both protect yourself and take measures against spread to others.
The MSU Office of Public Affairs will circulate timely notices regarding any changes in MSU’s proactive strategies to responsibly monitor these public health concerns. Media inquiries should be directed to MSU Chief Communications Officer Sid Salter at ssalter@opa.msstate.edu or 662-325-3442.
Sincerely,
Dr. David R. Shaw
Provost and Executive Vice President
Mississippi State University
Clifton W. Story, MD
Executive Director
University Health Services
MSU Division of Student Affairs
CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) FAQs
Has there been a confirmed case of coronavirus at MSU or in Oktibbeha County and, if not, how will I find out if there is a case at the university or in the local area?
There are no confirmed cases in Mississippi, at MSU or in Starkville. If there is a confirmed case at MSU or in Oktibbeha County, county health officials will provide an initial notice and MSU will follow their lead in communicating to students, faculty and staff.
How is Mississippi State preparing for the potential spread of coronavirus?
Campus leaders, including President Mark Keenum and Health Services Executive Director Cliff Story, local emergency management personnel and others are continually monitoring any developments with coronavirus and any circumstances in which it could affect the university population. While there are currently no known cases in Mississippi, state emergency management and public health agencies also are constantly examining updates on the virus’s spread in conjunction with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. The regular contact between MSU’s health and emergency preparedness divisions with local, state, regional and national agencies ensures that campus leaders have the latest information, which they will articulate to the university community.
If the university should determine a case of coronavirus on campus, what can be done?
We want to reassure our community that the university is proactively working to protect persons on our campus, and our administration, emergency and health personnel have trained and drilled on response to such situations. The university’s response to a suspected or confirmed case of coronavirus will be handled in coordination with state and federal partners and their recommended best practices.
What are the best preventative measures?
At this time, the campus community is encouraged to continue daily life as normal and to take the same precautions they would take to avoid any other respiratory illnesses, such as the flu.
While there is no current vaccine to prevent this virus, anyone can take actions to help prevent the spread of the virus such as:
- Washing hands regularly with soap for at least 20 seconds or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue and then disposing of the tissue in the trash
- Staying home if sick
- Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoiding close contact with people you know are sick
- Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces
Should I stock up on surgical masks to prevent myself from contracting the virus?
There is no need to wear a surgical mask when out in public unless you are in a healthcare facility or are, for some reason, in close contact with people who may have the virus. In fact, most masks do not effectively filter small particles from the air. Hand washing and avoiding touching your face are the best way to lower your risk of infection.
If I suspect I’ve been exposed to or have symptoms of the virus, what should I do?
Call the Longest Student Health Center at 662-325-7539 or your primary medical provider. You should call prior to going to the medical office or emergency room so medical personnel can get information on your illness and plan for your visit to their clinic or hospital.
If I have a doctor’s appointment, should I worry about getting infected with the virus at a hospital or clinic?
Don’t avoid getting the medical care you need because of concerns about the coronavirus. All health centers, clinics and hospitals have protocols in place for keeping patients, healthcare workers and visitors safe. If you begin to or are experiencing flu-like symptoms, call the Longest Student Health Center at 662-325-7539 or your primary medical provider first to be advised on your next steps.
Does the university have any travel restrictions in place for students and employees?
At present, MSU is not approving travel to countries that have been issued Level 3 status by the CDC, including China and South Korea. MSU is discouraging travel to Level 2 status countries, which now include Japan, Italy and Iran. Students and employees are asked to reconsider all non-essential international travel. MSU leaders are monitoring international & domestic impacts and may adjust travel recommendations accordingly.
I have travel plans for Spring Break, but should I cancel my trip?
Your health and safety are of the utmost importance to us. However, your personal travel plans are your decision. If you are planning to travel internationally during spring break, you can find current information about the risks from the U.S. Department of State and the CDC. Be informed before you finalize your travel plans. The CDC warns against travel to China, Iran, Italy, South Korea or Japan, and other countries could be added to the list at any time.
Travelers should think about the fact that, without prior notice, they could be quarantined or experience sudden and serious travel disruptions. In this uncertain climate, returning to the U.S. from some destinations could prove difficult.
Currently, there are no limitations to domestic travel, but be aware of any areas of the country that are more affected than others when making your travel plans.
