Tonight, UL is addressing speculation about the new strain of the Coronavirus that's spreading around the world.
The University confirms there are no cases of the Coronavirus on campus.
UL's statement about the virus comes hours after a UL professor sent out an email to some students and staff raising concerns after last weekend's Luna New Year event on campus.
In an email obtained by KATC, a UL professor warns that some who attended the Lunar New Year event on campus developed a fever.
The professor said, "some people in the group also come from Wuhan." He warned those who attended the event to stay home over the next few days.
A UL spokesperson confirms to KATC there was a visiting scholar from Wuhan at the party. The University says he was examined by doctors and cleared.
The University also says two students on campus are from Wuhan, but they have not been home to Wuhan since the outbreak.
UL maintains there are no reported cases of Coronavirus in Louisiana, no reported cases at UL and no reported cases under investigation in the State.
Dr. Tina Stefanski with the Louisiana Office of Public Health says at this point there is no immediate cause for alarm in the United States.
"The only concern someone should have is if they have contact with someone who has traveled to part of the country and has developed the Coronavirus or is symptomatic," Stefanski said.
Many of the symptoms of the Novel Coronavirus mimic those of the flu, the common cold, or other illnesses. At this time, Louisiana has some of the highest flu rates in the country.
UL offered these tips to protect yourself and others, members of the campus community:
- Are encouraged to seek immediate medical attention if they are experiencing fever, cough or having difficulty breathing.
- Should not attend classes, work, or University events if they are ill. They should stay home except when seeking medical care and should avoid contact with others.
- Should cover their mouths or noses with a tissue or their shirtsleeves – not their hands – when coughing or sneezing.
- Should wash their hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
More tips for protecting yourself from the flu can be found on the Centers for Disease Control website, https://www.cdc.gov/flu/ [u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net].
More information on the Novel Coronavirus can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/index.html [u7061146.ct.sendgrid.net].