In a health alert to the school community, Dr. John B. Clark President of Western Connecticut State University is addressing a recent illness that is affecting college students. At this time, it is unclear what exactly is causing symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea or stomach pain, but Clark says WCSU is working with Connecticut Department of Health, Danbury Hospital, and Danbury Department of Health to assure the safety of all. The campus is closed today, Monday, April 23.
For anyone who is experiencing vomiting, diarrhea or stomach pain, follow these guidelines:
1. Please, if possible, go home to limit spread to others on campus.
2. Drink plenty of fluids.
3. Clean all surfaces contaminated with vomit or stool with a bleach solution. Launder
soiled clothes right away. Students who live on campus should contact Housing and
Residence Life staff to assist with room cleaning if necessary.
4. If you become dehydrated, go to the nearest emergency department. (Signs of
dehydration include dizziness, dry mouth, decreased urination, headache, muscle cramps,
thirst.)
5. You may return to campus two to three days after you have recovered.
6. If you are unable to go home, stay in your room, report your situation to your Resident Director, and stay in touch with your family or others who will check on you.
These tips might help you stay well:
1. Use good hand hygiene and keep your fingers out of your mouth.
2. Don’t share food, drinks, cups, or utensils.
3. Wash fruits and vegetables before eating.
4. Clean surfaces in your living space frequently with bleach wipe.
Clark's letter to the WCSU community:
Since the safety and security of our students, faculty and staff are of our utmost concern, Western Connecticut State University will be closed Monday, April 23, in response to the illness that has affected approximately 100 students. Although we are aware of a limited number of affected students, based on our discussions with the Connecticut Department of Health, the Danbury Department of Health, Danbury Hospital and the WCSU Director of Health Services, we have decided this is the best and most conservative course of action to protect our university community from infection and spread of the disease.
Additionally, this will give our professional staff an additional day to further consult with state and city health officials to determine next steps. Also, our maintenance crews, who have been hard at work sanitizing and disinfecting both campuses will have additional time to ensure that all areas of the university have been properly cleaned. While the latest data we have about the disease is encouraging, we want to make doubly sure that the university is safe and secure for all before re-opening.
As we know more details about the disease and those adversely affected, periodic informational messages will be sent out through the university's website, email and other social media.
On behalf of the university, please accept my apologies for the inconvenience this may cause, especially at this late time of the academic year, but I hope you will understand our priority is for the well-being and safety of our university community.