A memorandum from Michael W. Quick, Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs.
As some of you may already know, we have experienced an outbreak of a contagious gastrointestinal virus among our students. We have taken a number of steps to decrease the spread of this virus including educating students on prevention measures and intensified cleaning of restrooms in residence halls and of the dining venues. We are working closely with the county health department to monitor the situation and implement all needed precautionary measures.
I am asking all of you to be aware that students may miss class due to this illness and to advise students in your classes to return to their residences if they are sick. The recommendation is that students experiencing symptoms wait a full 24 hours after symptoms subside before returning to class or social activities.
Please show consideration to students who have missed classes due to this illness. By policy, Engemann Student Health Center does not provide written medical excuses for students who have missed classes or exams due to illness.
The virus spreads easily from person-to-person. Symptoms are typically mild and resolve within 48 hours. They include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps and sometimes a low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and tiredness.
Engemann Student Health Center reminds our university community to adhere to the following prevention tips:
- Wash your hands often and thoroughly, especially after using the restroom.
- Avoid contact with those who are infected.
- Avoid sharing food, drinks or utensils with others.
For more information see the Engemann Student Health Center website at http://www.usc.edu/Engemann.