Archived Messages | Cal State LA

Updates Regarding Measles

May 2, 2019 | 9 a.m.

Please be aware that the current surveillance and quarantine period for measles at Cal State LA ends today, May 2, at 11:59 p.m.

All students and employees currently under quarantine orders can resume their normal routines tomorrow, May 3.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health determined that exposure to a confirmed case of measles involving a Cal State LA student occurred in Library North on April 11, 2019, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. The Department of Public Health has determined that there is currently no known risk related to measles at Library North at this time.

To prevent the spread of this highly contagious virus, health officials have asked students and employees who were in Library North during the specified period to provide immunization records or be checked for immunity at the Student Health Center.

Staff at the Student Health Center will continue to screen people who were at Library North during the specified time until 5 p.m. today.

If you think you may have symptoms of measles, such as fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and/or rash, please contact the Student Health Center at (323) 343-3302 or your primary doctor to arrange for an appointment.

Additional guidance and information about measles are also available on the Cal State LA Health Watch website.

May 1, 2019 | 10 a.m.

The Student Health Center and Los Angeles County Department of Public Health continue to make progress, screening and clearing students and employees to return to their normal routines after a potential measles exposure.

Individuals who may have been exposed were still self-reporting to the Student Health Center on Tuesday to be screened for immunity. The quarantine period ends on Thursday, May 2, at 11:59 p.m.

The Department of Public Health has concluded that there is currently no known risk related to measles at Library North at this time. Public health officials determined that a Cal State LA student who had contracted measles entered Library North on April 11, 2019, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Classes and other activities have not been canceled. Cal State LA faculty members are accommodating students who are missing classes because of the quarantine.

To prevent the spread of this highly contagious virus, the Department of Public Health has asked anyone who was in Library North during the specified period to provide immunization records or be checked for immunity at the Student Health Center and remain under orders to stay home until they receive clearance.

Additional guidance and information about measles are also available on the Cal State LA Health Watch website. This website also includes a measles FAQ page that was prepared for Cal State LA by the Department of Public Health.

We will continue to update you as new information becomes available.

April 29, 2019 | 5 p.m.

More than 500 Cal State LA students and employees were free to return to their normal routines after receiving clearance over the weekend and on Monday from health officials.

In all, 534 students and employees have been cleared by our Student Health Center and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health after they were identified as being in Library North and potentially exposed to measles. We expect to continue receiving additional clearance notifications.

Among those who received clearances were a majority of the Library North staff and faculty employees and student assistants. The library is open today from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and will resume normal hours of operation from 7 a.m. to 12 a.m. on Tuesday.

The Department of Public Health has concluded that there is currently no known risk related to measles at Library North at this time. Public health officials determined that a Cal State LA student who had contracted measles entered the library on April 11, 2019, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

As of Monday afternoon, 122 students and employees remained under health orders to stay home from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and have been told to avoid contact with others as much as possible.

Classes and other activities have not been canceled. Cal State LA faculty members are accommodating students who are missing classes because they are under the health orders. The quarantine period ends on Thursday, May 2.

We will continue to update you as new information becomes available.

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April 29, 2019 | 8 a.m.

A majority of Library North staff and faculty employees and student assistants were cleared to return to work over the weekend and the facility is operating on expanded hours. The library is open today from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and will resume normal hours of operation from 7 a.m. to 12 a.m. on Tuesday.

Library employees who were potentially exposed to measles received their clearance notification from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. We expect to continue receiving additional clearance notifications.

The Department of Public Health has concluded that there is currently no known risk related to measles at Library North at this time. Public health officials determined that a Cal State LA student who had contracted measles entered the library on April 11, 2019, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

To prevent the spread of this highly contagious virus, the Department of Public Health has asked Cal State LA employees who were in Library North during the specified period to provide immunization records or be checked for immunity at the Student Health Center and not return to work until they receive clearance.

If you think you may have symptoms of measles, such as fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and/or rash, please contact the Student Health Center or your primary doctor to arrange for an appointment.

We will continue to update you as new information becomes available.

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April 26, 2019 | 3 p.m.

Staff and students at Cal State LA who may have been exposed to measles were being cleared Friday afternoon, after initially receiving quarantine orders from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.

Cal State LA’s Student Health Center cleared students and staff who provided the required proof of immunization. The Student Health Center is working closely with the Department of Public Health.

By Friday afternoon, 110 students and 21 staff had been cleared.

Currently, 106 staff and 550 students are under quarantine orders from the Department of Public Health and have been told to stay home and avoid contact with others as much as possible.

The Department of Public Health has concluded that there is currently no known risk related to measles at Library North at this time. Public health officials determined that a Cal State LA student who had contracted measles entered the library on April 11, 2019, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

To prevent the spread of this highly contagious virus, the Department of Public Health has asked Cal State LA employees who were in Library North during the specified period to provide immunization records or be checked for immunity at the Student Health Center and not return to work until they receive clearance.

Staff in the Cal State LA Student Health Center continued to provide vaccinations on Friday to people who may have been exposed to measles in Library North.

Since a majority of library workers may have been exposed and will not return to work until they are cleared, the library is reducing hours until April 30 or sooner, depending on how quickly employees are cleared. These reduced hours of operation can be found on the library website. Signs are also posted at the library entrance.

If you think you may have symptoms of measles, such as fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and/or rash, please contact the Student Health Center or your primary doctor to arrange for an appointment.

We will continue to update you as new information becomes available.

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April 25, 2019 | 2 p.m.

Cal State LA is continuing to work closely with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and top health experts regarding a measles exposure that may have occurred in Library North. This potential exposure took place April 11, 2019, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

The Department of Public Health has determined that there is no known current risk related to measles at the library at this time.

To prevent the spread of this highly contagious virus, the Department of Public Health has asked Cal State LA employees who were potentially exposed through their presence in Library North on the specified date and times to provide immunization records or be checked for immunity at the Student Health Center and not to return to work until they receive clearance from Department of Public Health officials. These employees, including student workers, have been sent home under quarantine orders and told to stay home and avoid contact with others as much as possible.

Since a majority of library workers may have been exposed and will not return to work until they are cleared, the library is reducing hours until April 30 or sooner, depending on how quickly employees are cleared. These reduced hours of operation can be found on the library website. Signs are also posted at the library entrance.

Anyone who may have been in Library North during the specified date and times should determine their immunization status. If you do not have your immunization records or only received one Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine, contact the Student Health Center at (323) 343-3302 to schedule a blood test to check for immunity and to receive an MMR vaccine.

When Public Health identifies a person who has been exposed to measles and does not have written verification of two vaccination doses, they will be subject to quarantine of up to 21 days from the date of exposure. This will be enforced by a Health Officer Order for quarantine. A blood test may be done to check for immunity and possible removal of the order for quarantine.

The Department of Public Health encourages everyone to determine their immunization status through vaccination documentation or a blood test. Anyone who is unvaccinated is strongly advised to obtain the MMR vaccine as soon as possible. Students can receive the vaccine from the Student Health Center or their healthcare provider. Faculty and staff who were not in Library North during the specified date and times should contact their healthcare provider to receive the vaccine. You may also dial 2-1-1 for a list of low or no cost vaccination clinics.

If you think you may have symptoms of measles, such as fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and/or rash, please contact the Student Health Center or your primary doctor to arrange for an appointment.

For more information about measles, visit this county measles information webpage or call 2-1-1.

We will continue to update you as new information becomes available.

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April 24, 2019 | 7 p.m.

To all Library North occupants:

As you may already know, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has identified the University Library as one of several sites where measles exposure may have occurred. The potential exposure took place in Library North on April 11, 2019, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

To control the spread of this highly contagious disease, Public Health is asking employees who may have been exposed to ensure immunization against the measles.

If you were in the University Library North during the specified date and time, please:

Bring immunization records showing that you have received two doses of the FDA-licensed Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) vaccine to the Student Health Center no later than Thursday, April 25, 2019.
If you do not have your immunization records or only received one MMR vaccine, notify your supervisor and contact the Student Health Center at (323)343-3302 to schedule a measles IgG blood test to check for immunity and to receive an MMR vaccine.
This must be done at the Student Health Center on Thursday, April 25, and Friday, April 26, 2019. *We ask that you not return to work until you receive clearance from Public Health.
Please be aware that Public Health may contact you to follow up.

Public Health strongly advises anyone who is unvaccinated to obtain the MMR vaccine as soon as possible. Students can receive the vaccine from the Student Health Center or their healthcare provider. Faculty and staff, other than those who were potentially exposed through their presence in Library North on April 11 during the time indicated above, should contact their healthcare provider to receive the vaccine. You may also dial 2-1-1 for a list of low or no cost vaccination clinics.

Please help in controlling the spread of a serious virus such as measles by cooperating with the above Public Health directives. For more information about measles, visit this county measles information webpage or call 2-1-1.

If you think you may have symptoms of measles, such as fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, and/or rash, please contact the Student Health Center or your primary doctor.

If you have any further questions, please contact the Los Angeles County Vaccine Preventable Disease Control Program at (213) 351-7800 and ask to speak to the surveillance staff member on duty.

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April 22, 2019 | 6 p.m.

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is investigating a number of reports of measles in the county. These include five confirmed cases of measles that occurred after international travel. Four of the cases are linked.

Cal State LA has been identified by Public Health as one of several sites in Los Angeles County where measles exposure may have occurred. The potential exposure took place in the University Library on April 11, 2019, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Public Health has determined that there is no known current risk related to measles at the library at this time.

The University has been in contact with Public Health to ensure the health and safety of the campus community.

Common symptoms of measles include fever, cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis (pink eye) and a rash that usually appears 10 to 21 days after the exposure. People should contact their healthcare provider by phone before visiting if they develop measles symptoms so measures can be taken to prevent possible spread to others. They should also tell their doctor or other healthcare provider if they have traveled internationally or have had international visitors in the last 21 days, or have had exposure to another person with measles.

Measles immunizations (MMR) are available at healthcare providers, local pharmacies or health clinics. Public Health clinics offer no or low-cost immunizations for people who are uninsured or underinsured. To find a nearby Public Health clinic, call 2-1-1 or visit this county public health centers webpage.

Instructions to students, faculty and staff who visited the University Library on April 11, 2019, between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.:

Check your vaccination records. If you do not have documented evidence of MMR vaccination, visit your healthcare provider or the Student Health Center for a blood test to check your immunity against measles, and to get vaccinated.

For more information about measles, visit this county measles information webpage or call 2-1-1.

Public Health urges people who have not been fully immunized against measles to contact their healthcare provider to protect individual health and to prevent the spread of measles to others.

Update #4 Regarding Infectious Gastroenteritis

February 28, 2018 | 5:30 p.m.

Dear University Community:

Last Friday we informed you that Cal State LA and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (DPH) became aware that a number of our students had developed symptoms suggestive of infectious gastroenteritis. As a result of our collective efforts and investigation by DPH, we are now aware of four confirmed cases of E. coli O157. However, there may be other causes of infectious gastroenteritis.

Symptoms associated with E. coli O157 include diarrhea, blood in stool and abdominal cramps following exposure to the bacteria. Some may experience vomiting. While most people recover after 5 to 7 days, 5 percent to 10 percent develop a serious complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome, a type of kidney failure. This can develop days after the initial symptoms. Symptoms associated with this condition include reduced urine output, extreme weakness or fatigue and rash. People experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately. For detailed information, please review this California Department of Public Health fact sheet.

Students who are feeling sick should visit the Student Health Center or their medical provider. Employees and students who seek care from off-campus providers should inform them of the current E. coli O157 outbreak on campus. The Student Health Center can be reached at (323) 343-3301. Please visit the Health Center website for information about after-hours care.

Infectious gastroenteritis is very contagious, and it is important to follow these preventative measures:

Frequent hand washing
Thorough cleaning of surfaces
Avoiding close contact with people who are ill

Public Health and the University are continuing efforts to investigate this outbreak, provide care and assistance to ill individuals and take measures to prevent the spread of infection. If you are contacted by Public Health, it is important to answer questions and cooperate with instructions.

Sincerely,

Monica Jazzabi, M.D.

Director, Student Health Center

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Update #3 Regarding Infectious Gastroenteritis

February 23, 2018 | 5:05 p.m.

Dear University Community:

Earlier this week, Cal State LA and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (DPH) became aware that a number of our students developed symptoms suggestive of infectious gastroenteritis. This immediately prompted coordinated efforts between the University and DPH to investigate the cause, provide care and assistance to ill students and take measures to prevent the spread of infection.

More students and a few staff have developed symptoms of gastroenteritis since we first learned of this, but we are making progress in our investigation. Staff from DPH are conducting interviews with individuals and are awaiting test results. They are continuing to coordinate all efforts with the Student Health Center and Housing and Residence Life.

Infectious gastroenteritis is very contagious and spreads easily from person to person. Individuals can become infected through:

Eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated
Touching surfaces or objects that are contaminated
Having direct contact with another person who is infected and showing symptoms

Common symptoms of infectious gastroenteritis are diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, fever and fatigue. Affected individuals may also experience blood in the stool, headache and weakness. Individuals who are affected should drink plenty of liquids to avoid dehydration. Students who are feeling sick should visit the Student Health Center. Employees should seek care from their healthcare providers and inform them of the current outbreak on campus. The Student Health Center can be reached at (323) 343-3301. Please visit the Health Center website for information about after-hours care.

If you are contacted by DPH, it is important to answer questions and comply with instructions. Your cooperation is needed so that DPH and Cal State LA can safeguard the health of our community. People who are ill should avoid close contact with others and not attend class or work during the course of the illness and until at least two days after symptoms have ended.

Preventative measures include:

Frequent hand washing
Thorough cleaning of surfaces
Avoiding close contact with people who are ill

Until further notice, the Dining Commons is not serving food as a precautionary measure, but the facility is open for students to eat their meals. The Dining Commons has been cleaned, inspected and cleared by an outside firm. Alternative meals are being provided for students on the meal plan.

We are taking all measures to address this situation and will update you as new information becomes available.

Sincerely,

Monica Jazzabi, M.D.

Director, Student Health Center

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Update #2 Regarding Infectious Gastroenteritis

February 21, 2018 | 5:30 p.m.

Dear Students:

Earlier today, officials from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health met with staff from Housing and Residence Life and the Student Health Center to investigate the cause of infectious gastroenteritis among several students and coordinate preventative measures. Public Health is working closely with Cal State LA to protect the health of our students, staff and community.

The Dining Commons remains closed as a precautionary measure until further notice. Alternative meals will continue to be provided for students on the meal plan.

Common symptoms of infectious gastroenteritis are diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, fever and fatigue. People who are ill should stay home during the course of illness and until two days after symptoms have ended. Affected individuals should drink plenty of liquids to avoid dehydration. If you are feeling sick, seek care from the Student Health Center or your healthcare provider. The health center can be reached at (323) 343-3301. It is also important that you contact Housing and Residence Life to coordinate support services. The phone number for housing is (323) 343-4800 during office hours or (323) 343-4807 after hours and on weekends.

Preventative measures include:

Frequent handwashing
Thorough cleaning of surfaces
Avoiding close contact with people who are ill

We will continue to take all measures to address this situation and will update you as new information becomes available.

Sincerely,

Dr. Monica Jazzabi

Director, Student Health Center

Notification Alert for Infectious Gastroenteritis

February 20, 2018 | 11:15 a.m.

Dear Students:

Housing and Residence Life staff are working with the Student Health Center and the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health (DPH) after several students became ill with gastrointestinal symptoms suggestive of infectious gastroenteritis. We are notifying you in the interest of public health, awareness, and prevention.

Infectious gastroenteritis is very contagious and can spread easily from person to person. Individuals can become infected through:

Eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated
Touching surfaces or objects that are contaminated
Having direct contact with another person who is infected and showing symptoms

The symptoms usually begin within 24 to 48 hours after exposure and include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramping, blood in stool, fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and a general sense of tiredness.

If you are feeling sick, seek care from your healthcare provider or the Student Health Center. The health center can be reached at (323) 343-3301. It is also important that you contact Housing and Residence Life to coordinate support services. The phone number for housing is (323) 343-4800 during office hours or (323) 343-4807 after hours and on weekends.

If you become sick with any of these symptoms, please drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Housing and Residence Life will provide fluids for people who are displaying symptoms.

You can decrease your chance of infection by frequently washing your hands (vigorously, with soap and warm water), especially after restroom visits and before eating or preparing food.

Housing and Residence Life is taking the appropriate steps to safeguard our community. As a precautionary measure, the Dining Commons will be closed until further notice. Alternative meals will be provided for students on the meal plan.

We are working closely with public health officials to prevent new infections. Housing and Residence Life employees have been made aware of this situation and the need for strict hand washing and other prevention measures.

For any questions, please contact Housing and Residence Life.

Sincerely,

Dr. Monica Jazzabi
Director, Student Health Center

E. coli O157 Infection Fact Sheet

After-Hours and Emergency Care

AVOID ILLNESS, STAY HEALTHY

Infectious gastroenteritis is very contagious and can spread easily from person to person. Individuals can become infected through:

• Eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated

• Touching surfaces or objects that are contaminated

• Having direct contact with another person who is infected and showing symptoms

If you become sick with any of these symptoms, please drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Housing and Residence Life will provide fluids for people who are displaying symptoms.

You can decrease your chance of infection by frequently washing your hands (vigorously, with soap and warm water), especially after restroom visits and before eating or preparing food.