These past few days the headlines have mostly been filled with one thing: the deadly spread of the coronavirus, officially named Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCoV), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
While it is certain that the virus originated in the Chinese city of Wuhan, the exact cause is still not clear. Some point to the possibility that it started in a Chinese market.
Earlier last week, the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a world health emergency. Since early reports of the contagion began, the coronavirus has claimed the lives of over 300 and infected over 10,000, leading several countries, such as Italy or the United Kingdom to raise red flags within their borders.
In the United States, reports indicate that the virus has hit several states already. Just this past Saturday, New York City Health Department officials pointed to a possible case of the contagion in their city.
A few hours from the city, Oswego State’s campus community is comprised of students, faculty and staff from all over the globe. We should take extra caution, especially as it relates to the dining halls and the dorm buildings themselves, which could make an on-campus outbreak a wide-ranging issue.
Students should stay alert and take early action against potential illness, especially when it comes to possible spread of other viruses and contagions on college campuses.
Some of the symptoms related to coronavirus include, but are not limited to cough, fever and pneumonia, although the extent of these may vary from patient to patient.
The question now lies in whether Mary Walker Health Center personnel are ready to brace for the deadly disease, should coronavirus reach Oswego. And if it does reach Oswego, will special measures be adopted?
While Mary Walker is the nearest option for Oswego State students, other options include reaching out to SAVAC.
Students, faculty and staff should also keep in mind that they are not obliged to make use of Mary Walker’s services, and can always request to be taken to a hospital, in case of any emergency.
Photo from Oswegonian File Photos
