Dear students, faculty, staff and parents,
 

Please read this entire message carefully.

A third Wesleyan student has been diagnosed as presumptively having Chicken Pox (Varicella).  The student is currently in isolation and will remain so until non-contagious.  The student had received one dose of vaccine in childhood.

This case does not seem to be connected with the two cases we had early in the semester.  No source for this student’s infection has yet been identified.  Confirmatory testing will take at least a week to be completed. We have been in communication with the Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT DPH) and have developed our response and prepared this public health advisory in consultation with them. 

Varicella can be spread in respiratory secretions.  The affected student was on and around campus to a very limited degree while contagious.  Persons who are immune or who were not exposed are not at risk.  Most people on campus are not at risk.

Who is immune?

Persons are considered immune who:

Have a normally functioning immune system defined for these purposes as:  not immunocompromised due to pregnancy, disease or medication
AND
Have had chickenpox (varicella)
OR
Have been vaccinated against varicella (preferably with two doses, a relatively new recommendation).

What if I don’t know whether or not I am immune?

Students unsure of their vaccination status should contact the Health Center (860) 685-2470 or their primary care provider.  Faculty and staff should contact their primary care provider.

What should non-immune persons do?

Any student who is non-immune should contact the Davison Health Center 860.685.2470 or their primary care provider to arrange vaccination.  Optimal vaccination entails two doses of vaccine. 

What is Wesleyan University doing to prevent more cases?

Since the second case we have offered free varicella vaccination clinics on March 27 and March 31 through the support of CT DPH.  Thirteen students participated and received a first or second dose of the vaccine.  We anticipate holding another vaccination clinic before the end of April.

We continue to investigate this case from both a diagnostic and public health perspective.  Neither available data nor CT DPH guidance point to a role for any special cleaning or other institutional intervention beyond that described above.

Where can I find more information about varicella?

More information is available at http://www.ct.gov/dph/cwp/view.asp?a=3136&q=388264 and at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/diseases/list_varicl.htm.

 

Sincerely,

 

Davis Smith

Medical Director