Health Services closely monitors outbreaks of illness(es) that could potentially become public health emergencies based on the criteria from the Centers for Diseases Control and World Health Organization. The CDC is closely monitoring the widespread flu outbreak and subsequent hospitalization rates in the United States. 49 States are reporting above average flu activity. Educate yourself on how to prevent the spread of flu.
The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) is currently tracking an outbreak of monkeypox across several countries that don’t normally report monkeypox, including the United States. At this time, the risk of monkeypox in the US is believed to be relatively low.
Monkeypox was discovered in 1958 when two outbreaks of a pox-like disease occurred in colonies of monkeys kept for research. Despite being named “monkeypox,” the source of the disease remains unknown.
Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by infection with the monkeypox virus. Monkeypox virus is part of the same family of viruses as variola virus, the virus that causes smallpox. Monkeypox symptoms are similar to smallpox symptoms, but milder, and monkeypox is rarely fatal. Monkeypox is not related to chickenpox.
Monkeypox spreads in different ways. The virus can spread from person-to-person through:
Monkeypox symptoms usually start within three weeks of exposure to the virus, and may include:
Anyone in close contact with a person with monkeypox can get it and should take steps to protect themselves.
Always follow the discharge instructions your received from your medical provider. The CDC guidance for isolation recommends isolating with a private bedroom and bathroom until the lesions have healed with scabs falling off. Isolation may last over three to four weeks.
If you feel sick or have unexplained rashes, or you’re concerned about a potential or known exposure:
Avoid close, skin-to-skin contact with people until you have been evaluated by a healthcare provider. Wear a well-fitting mask when around others and keep the rash covered.
For more information, including information about the monkeypox vaccine and examples of rashes, please visit https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/monkeypox/response/2022/index.html.
CDC has been collaborating with global public health and industry partners to learn about Omicron, as we continue to monitor its course. We are still learning about how easily it spreads, the severity of illness it causes, and how well available vaccines and medications work against it.
The Omicron variant spreads more easily than the original virus that causes COVID-19 and the Delta variant. CDC expects that anyone with Omicron infection can spread the virus to others, even if they are vaccinated or don’t have symptoms.
Persons infected with the Omicron variant can present with symptoms similar to previous variants. The presence and severity of symptoms can be affected by COVID-19 vaccination status, the presence of other health conditions, age, and history of prior infection.
Omicron infection generally causes less severe disease than infection with prior variants. Preliminary data suggest that Omicron may cause more mild disease, although some people may still have severe disease, need hospitalization, and could die from the infection with this variant. Even if only a small percentage of people with Omicron infection need hospitalization, the large volume of cases could overwhelm the healthcare system which is why it’s important to take steps to protect yourself.
As the spring semester is getting underway, so is the 2020 flu season. I wanted to update you on flu activity in our area and ask for your help in preventing the spread of flu in our community.
Influenza, the flu, is a contagious respiratory virus that can cause mild to severe illness and can pose high risks for people with certain health conditions or compromised immune systems.
The Center for Disease Control's (CDC) surveillance map shows widespread flu, or flu like illness, activity throughout the southeast United States. More specifically, the NC Department of Health and Human Services’ Surveillance Summary demonstrates increased flu activity at this point in time compared to the past two years in North Carolina. With those statistics in mind, you can take to help avoid the flu and prevent the spread of flu and keep our campus healthy:
If you are diagnosed with the flu, the Office of Student Affairs is assisting with documented medical absence notifications to allow you the necessary time to recuperate without furthering spreading illness to the rest of campus.
From January 1 to May 10, 2019, 839 individual cases of measles have been confirmed in 23 states, based on data reported to the CDC.
This is an increase of 75 cases from the previous week, and new cases continue to be diagnosed.
This is the greatest number of cases reported in the U.S. since 1994 and since measles was declared eliminated in 2000.
The states that have reported cases to CDC are Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Tennessee, and Washington.
In a given year, more measles cases can occur for any of the following reasons:
Measles starts with fever, runny nose, cough, red eyes, and sore throat. It’s followed by a rash that spreads over the body. Measles is highly contagious and spreads through coughing and sneezing. Persons with measles are contagious from four days prior to rash onset (with the rash onset considered day zero) through four days after rash onset.
Measles is a public health concern and is reportable to the Communicable Disease Branch of the NC Department of Health and Human Services to implement measure to control the spread of illness.
As of May 16, 2019 NC has not experienced a positive case of measles, but if are experiencing any of these symptoms and are concerned about potential exposure, please visit Health Services to discuss your concerns.
Several infectious illnesses result from mosquito and tick bites. The simplest way
to prevent these illnesses is to prevent mosquito and tick bites through the use of
insect repellent.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recently issued travel advisories
to areas infected with Zika virus, including parts of the United States. There are
five important things that you should know about Zika. The most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis
(red eyes). The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days to
a week after being bitten by an infected mosquito. People usually don’t get sick enough
to go to the hospital, and they very rarely die.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and have either traveled to an infected
area or recently had mosquito bites please visit Health Services to discuss your concerns.
Other infections that can result from a mosquito or tick bites include:
Educate yourself and contact Health Services if you need more information.
Health Services if following the guidance and recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO) and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public Health.
There is a Level 2 Travel warning issued by the CDC to limit travel to Saudi Arabia, and the neighboring countries of Iran, Iraq and Syria. More information regarding travel restrictions
As of June 2015, there is still a Level 1 travel warning to South Korea and China. More information regarding travel restrictions to this area visit
As of March 29, 2016 the World Health Organization issued the following statement:
The 9th meeting of the Emergency Committee convened by the WHO Director-General under the International Health Regulations (2005) (IHR) regarding the Ebola virus disease outbreak in West Africa took place on 29 March 2016. In the Committee’s view, the Ebola situation in West Africa no longer constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern and the temporary recommendations adopted in response should now be terminated.
Health Services will continue to follow the guidance and recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO) and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Division of Public Health.
Persons arriving in the U.S. from an affected area or any traveler should monitor their health and if feeling sick, contact their health provider immediately and tell him or her about their recent travel and potential contacts before they go to the doctor's office or emergency room to prevent potential transmission to others.
Students should contact Health Services at 828-227-7640 and ask to speak with a Registered Nurse for questions or assistance.
Faculty and Staff should contact their primary care Provider or Health Services for more information.