Download In response to the heightened concern about the recent outbreak of

In response to the heightened concern about the recent outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in West
Africa, Drew University officials are monitoring developments and examining possible threats to the
student and campus population.
The World Health Organization has declared the Ebola outbreak in West Africa a ‘Public Health
Emergency of International Concern’ and called for rigorous efforts to contain and prevent further
spread of the virus. Drew Health Services has begun preparations in the unlikely event students, staff or
faculty returning from the affected region display symptoms consistent with EVD. Health Services is
coordinating with the Center for Global Education, Office of International Student Scholar Services,
and INTO to identify anyone who may have traveled to or from an Ebola affected region. There have
been no Drew University study abroad trips in the affected areas of the four countries in West Africa
where EVD is centered: Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone and Nigeria. Health Services is closely monitoring
communications from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization as
well as Madison Health Department and Morristown Medical Center.
According to the CDC, EVD poses no significant threat in the United States. The virus cannot be
transmitted through the air, through water or through food. It can only be transmitted through fluids of
an infected person or from exposure to objects contaminated with infected secretions—such as
needles. According to the CDC, EVD symptoms include fever, headache, joint and muscle soreness,
vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain and weakness.
Any Drew University student, staff or faculty arriving from Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, or Nigeria
should contact Health Services. Persons returning from an affected area but who have not had direct
contact with the body fluids of symptomatic infected persons, animals, or objects that have been
contaminated with body fluids should monitor their health for 10 days. Those with a potential exposure
should monitor their health for 21 days post exposure. Students returning from an affected area who
feel symptomatic should call Health Services at 973-408-3414 immediately. Staff and faculty returning
from an affected area and feel symptomatic should contact their health care provider immediately.