UHD Community Members are likely aware of the Coronavirus outbreak that originated in China and has since been reported in areas of the United States. Although there are no reported cases in Texas, UHD leadership will continue to monitor this situation and update the campus community as needed.

According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, the Coronavirus is a serious health threat, but the immediate risk to the American public is low at this time.

Faculty, staff and students are encouraged to:

1. Recognize the symptoms of this illness which may include a high fever, cough, difficulty breathing, similar to what you may feel with the flu or a bad cold.

2. If you have recently traveled within China or been in the company of someone who recently traveled to China and are experiencing these symptoms, seek immediate medical care and notify the University.

3. Always practice good hygiene, wash hands, cover coughs and sneezes, and avoid sharing food, cups or utensils.

4. Make sure to avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands and avoid personal contact with sick people.

5. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, shared items; and lastly,

6. Get a flu shot

UHD Community members who have recently visited China and are experiencing influenza-like illness, with fever greater than 100.3, and symptoms, including cough, body aches, severe sore throat, or runny nose, should seek immediate medical attention.

Those who are experiencing flu-like symptoms while on campus can contact Student Health Services. Please consult the SHS website for a list of available services.

The University of Houston System is prohibiting official travel to Wuhan, Hubei Province, China (where this virus was first reported) and non-essential travel to China outside of Hubei Province in adherence to U.S. Federal Government travel warnings.

Additional details regarding the Coronavirus, including signs, symptoms, risk of exposure, and what to do if exhibiting symptoms can be found on websites for the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention and Texas Department of State Health Services. These agencies also will provide guidance for citizens preparing to travel or who have returned from previous trips.