Campus Communicable Disease Surveillance Policy, Jan. 3, 2019
The University of Maine follows state and national mandates regarding infectious diseases, notifiable communicable health conditions and community outbreaks as directed by the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (MeCDC) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
In addition, UMaine has a standard operating procedure for outbreaks of communicable illness prevalent in college campus populations.
An outbreak is generally defined as when a disease occurs in greater numbers than expected in a community or region, or during a season. An outbreak may occur in one community, or extend to several regions or countries. Sometimes, one or two cases of a contagious disease is considered an outbreak, depending on the illness and its ability to spread.
In the event of an illness outbreak, UMaine will issue community health advisories, including prevention information and efforts, and relevant fact sheets, and will identify a UMaine contact person for more information.
UMaine community advisories related to health and safety are a component of the university’s emergency communications system. Advisory formats include email, social media and the UMaine website in a timely manner, providing emergent information and links to resources. Updates will be made as they become available, and through the guidance of state and federal authorities, when necessary.
Animal bites and rabies
If you or someone else has been bitten by a wild or domestic animal, report the incident immediately to UMaine Police Department at 911. Identify the animal by kind, size, color and place the animal was last seen. Medical attention needs to be obtained immediately and follow ups must be conducted to ensure the safety of faculty, staff and students.
Animals exhibiting aggressive behavior or if you suspect an animal has rabies. Symptoms of rabies may include: an animal that is obviously sick; is exhibiting unusual behavior; or has died under mysterious circumstances. Do not move or otherwise touch the animal. Notify the UMaine Police Department by calling 911.
COVID-19
According to the CDC, symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus. People with these symptoms may have COVID-19:
Human bodily fluids
If you discover what you suspect is blood or other bodily fluids:
Influenza
Good health habits are an important way to help prevent the flu:
Lyme disease
Lyme Disease is found in many areas of New England and has now spread to Maine. This is a potentially debilitating disease spread by deer ticks. More information on this disease can be obtained from the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention website.
Measles
Measles symptoms typically include:
Transmission: Measles is a highly contagious viral disease is and transmitted from person to person by direct contact with respiratory droplets or airborne spread when an infected person breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The measles virus can remain infectious in the air for hours.
West nile virus
West Nile Virus is a disease that can lead to an infection called encephalitis (swelling of the brain). West Nile Virus is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Most mosquito bites do not lead to West Nile Virus because very few mosquitoes are infected. However, people over 50 and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for serious illness from West Nile Virus infection. More information can be obtained from the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention website.
