CWU following CDC guidelines regarding Ebola

The Centers for Disease Control indicates the Ebola outbreak in West Africa does not pose a threat to the United States. CWU is following the CDC’s recently released guidelines for colleges and universities regarding Ebola. The new resource, Advice for Colleges, Universities, and Students about Ebola in West Africa, includes information for students studying abroad, international travel, students returning to the U.S. and other education-related travel pertaining to higher education.

Before attending CWU, international students must pass a physical exam and meet strict travel guidelines in place for the identified outbreak area. International travel is not permitted for any symptomatic individual attempting to leave affected areas. The CDC recommends people traveling from the affected areas monitor their health for 21 days to ensure they are healthy and have not been exposed.

CWU’s Student Medical and Counseling Clinic is following the recommendations of the CDC for clinicians in U.S. healthcare settings. By law (CWUP 2-40-141), the clinic will report any suspected or known communicable disease to the appropriate county health department, and if necessary will implement a communicable disease outbreak plan.

Ebola is a rare disease. The virus is not airborne and only can be spread by contact with blood or body fluids from an infected person or animal.

The CDC has sent clinicians the following links regarding Ebola:

• Ebola Virus Disease Information for Clinicians in U.S. Healthcare Settings
• Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Hospitalized Patients
• Travelers' Health

If you have questions regarding this or other healthcare related issues, contact Chris De Villeneuve, executive director of the Student Medical and Counseling Clinic, at 509-963-1035.

September 11, 2014