Produced by the Office of Marketing and Communications
The university has confirmed 22 cases of students with Adenovirus, Dr. David McBride, University Health Center director, said on Friday in an email to campus.
This number includes students who had been sick earlier in November, but have recovered. One student died on Nov. 18 of Adenovirus, a typical cold virus with many strains.
Although Adenoviruses are not dangerous to the general population, the results of five specimens have returned from the Centers for Disease Control, and four are Adenovirus 7, a strain that may cause more severe illness. 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.
More information is available on the University Health Center's Adenovirus Resources page.
Maryland Today is produced by the Office of Marketing and Communications for the University of Maryland community on weekdays during the academic year, except for university holidays.
Faculty, staff and students receive the daily Maryland Today e-newsletter. To be added to the subscription list, sign up here:
Subscribe