All official travel to Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone by University faculty, staff, and students have been suspended due to the Ebola virus outbreak in Dallas.
Although the University isn’t suspending travel to the surrounding West African region, it is strongly discouraged.
There is no concern of the virus on campus, but the university officials are taking necessary precautions to prepare for any possible concern.
University officials have been working with the state’s health authorities, and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention to set up protocols to prevent the campus from being infected by the virus, and a plan of action for if there is a situation on campus.
Besides the suspension of travel, there is also a protocol that any faculty, staff, or student with a fever of 100 degrees or more should make an appointment with the Student Health Center, or just stop by. The Student Health Center cannot test for the Ebola virus, but will have the patient fill out a travel questionnaire and do a screening to evaluate the situation as best as they possibly can, Director of the Student Health Center, Laura Reinhardt said. If the Student Health Center thinks the patient could be infected by the virus, they will immediately notify the CDC and get the student transported appropriately. If such situation were to happen, the campus would be notified by blue alerts, and the Student Health Center would close down until further notice from the CDC.
“The university is dedicated to going through with any of the CDC’s orders to keep the campus safe,” Reinhardt said. “We are, and will be, doing exactly what we are told, and although students should be cautious, there is no reason to be concerned.”
Some students are concerned about the virus because they don’t know much about it.
“I’m naturally worried every time I see someone cough because I don’t know how people really get it,” Student Government Association President, Beatrize Martinez said. “I just make sure I’m doing what I need to do to continue being healthy.”
The Student Health Center wants students to know as much as possible about the virus.
The virus is not spread through airborne contact and is only communicable when the infected person is experiencing the symptoms, according to the CDC. The virus does have flu-like symptoms that students should be aware of, including: Fever of 100 degrees or more, severe headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, or unexplained bleeding or bruising. Those who are exhibiting these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention and talk with medical providers about any questions or concerns.
Being aware of such symptoms and observing normal health precautions, such as, washing your hands frequently, covering sneezes and coughs, and getting immunizations including a flu shot, can help keep everyone healthy.
The Student Health Center is available to all OCU students and currently employed staff and faculty, as well as their dependents. The center is open for appointments Monday –Friday 8 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Walk-in hours are Monday –Friday 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4:15 p.m.
The phone number for the center is 405-208-5090 and confidential email can be sent to studenthealth@okcu.edu.
If any student, faculty, or staff have any more questions about the virus, they can visit this website created by the CDC with advice for colleges, universities and students about Ebola in West Africa. http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/advice-for-colleges-universities-and-students-about-ebola-in-west-africa
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