Coronavirus update

January 28, 2020

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is monitoring a new coronavirus recently identified in China. The virus is associated with an outbreak of pneumonia in that country. As of Jan. 28, five cases have been confirmed in the United States. There have been no confirmed cases in Ohio.

However, Miami University is reporting today that a student with mild symptoms has met the criteria for testing for possible infection of the virus.

There are currently no BGSU-sponsored trips or research activities in the affected areas that would elevate the risk to the University community. BGSU is monitoring the situation along with the Ohio Department of Higher Education, the Wood County Health Department and Falcon Health Center.

The University has been communicating with our international students from China to provide guidance and support. We have also been in contact with faculty who have returned from trips to China.

Coronaviruses are common throughout the world and while most are known to cause mild to moderate illness, two have been known to cause severe illness. The elderly, people with underlying health problems and people who have compromised immune systems are at greater risk than those who are younger and healthier.

If you have been to China within the last two weeks and have a fever, cough, runny nose, headache, sore throat or difficulty breathing, it is recommended that you report to the Falcon Health Center or your medical provider for evaluation.

The CDC website includes detailed information about coronaviruses, how they spread, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention. There are currently no additional precautions recommended for the general public to take. However, as a reminder, the CDC always recommends everyday preventative actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses.

The CDC has issued two travel warnings, advising against all nonessential travel to China and advising against all travel to Hubei province.

All BGSU students, faculty and staff are required to register their international travel with the University. Students in study abroad are registered by International Programs and Partnerships. This is not an approval process and information provided will remain confidential except in the case of an emergency. Having this information on hand allows the University to contact you in case of emergency and provide urgent safety-, health- and security-related information and assistance. 

BGSU continues to monitor this situation and will keep you updated.

Sincerely,

Joe B. Whitehead, Jr, Ph.D.
Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs

Sherideen S. Stoll, CPA
Vice President for Finance and Administration
Chief Financial Officer

Thomas J. Gibson, Ph.D.
Vice President for Student Affairs and Vice Provost