November 30, 2018

Dear campus community,

The University Health Center continues to see many ill patients on a daily basis with cold and flu-like symptoms. While this volume is typical this time of year, I urge every member of our community to take preventive measures to stay healthy and be particularly vigilant with the incidents of Adenovirus on campus.

In addition to typical cases of cold and flu, we are now aware of 22 confirmed cases of UMD students with Adenovirus (by nasal PCR, the most reliable test). We have been informed of a number of students who had been sick earlier in November, but have recovered, and these are included in the count. Although Adenoviruses are common causes of colds found in significant numbers of people this time of year and are not dangerous to the general population, the results of five specimens have returned from the CDC and four are Adenovirus 7. One test was inconclusive and additional testing is being performed. This strain may cause more severe illness, particularly for those with chronic medical problems like asthma, diabetes or illnesses that lower their immune system or those who take medicine that lowers their immune system.

For these individuals, it is vitally important not to ignore flu-like symptoms (high fever and cough/sore throat and vomiting/diarrhea) and to visit a physician within 48 hours of developing symptoms.

Departments across campus will continue their increased cleaning of high-touch surfaces in response to this situation.

Please visit our Adenovirus Resources page for additional information: health.umd.edu/adenovirus-resources.

Sincerely,

David McBride, MD
Director, University Health Center