Dear Members of the College Community:
I would like to update you on the latest information regarding the contagious stomach virus that has impacted the College over the past several days. I am pleased to report a favorable trend in the past 24 hours in the number of students who have seen by providers at the Health Center and local hospitals for this contagious illness.
The Bailey Health Center and the Emergency Department at Easton Hospital saw at total of 47 students over the weekend, including Friday evening, for symptoms consistent with a contagious stomach virus.
I appreciate the extraordinary efforts that have been made by students, faculty, staff, and especially our custodians, as we work through the formidable challenges of managing a significant health issue on campus. We are grateful to the student and staff who have volunteered to assist those who have been ill. I have been in regular communication with the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Director of Infection Control at Easton Hospital for assistance in collecting meaningful epidemiologic data and to provide additional guidance on the most up-to-date methods on infection control.
During the weekend we monitored usage in dining halls, including informally surveying our Resident Advisers about their residents’ overall health; however, In an effort to provide more meaningful data and in order to track the number of students who experienced sickness, but who may not have sought medical attention, I am asking every student, faculty, and staff member to respond to a brief health assessment found at this link: https://orgsync.com/115473/forms/189651
The Pennsylvania Department of Health and private laboratories are currently testing specimens obtained from students who were infected by the virus. Although norovirus is the most common cause of similar outbreaks, we are testing for several other infectious diseases as well. I will communicate the results to you when they become available.
Please remember if you are caring for a friend who is sick, please take proper precautions. Dining Services will continue to make to-go containers available for students and will continue using an alternative serving method to minimize the virus’ spreading. I would encourage students who are ill not to use the dining halls until they are symptom-free. A friend or roommate can pick up a meal using your student ID if you are too ill to do so or are still experiencing symptoms of the infection.
As Dean McLoughlin mentioned in his communication to you yesterday, we are suspending the requirement for a Dean’s Excuse for students who are experiencing symptoms. Although the classroom represents a far lower risk for exposure than many other places on a residential college campus, we ask that you use good judgment, and to avoid contact with others for 48 hours after you have been ill.
Again, I am pleased to report a very favorable trend in the past 24 hours in the number of students who have seen by providers at the Health Center and hospitals for this contagious illness. I am certain that the actions taken by students and staff have helped immensely. If you wish to review earlier messages that the College has sent about this health alert, you can see them at these links:
Thank you for your continued support and teamwork.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Goldstein, MD
Director of Health Services