Infectious Diseases

Emerging infectious diseases (ID) can be a danger to the health of our campus community. The UW Environmental and Occupational team studies how contagious diseases like COVID-19, Influenza, and Meningitis B develop and spread. They assess how the campus environment affects transmission and how to prevent, detect, and control disease transmission. This group coordinates ID response efforts to mitigate active threats and solicit interdisciplinary collaboration across multiple campus units. It develops tailored training, PPE or other resource acquisition, and related public health programming.

COVID-19

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by SARS-CoV-2. COVID-19 is very contagious and can spread quickly. The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus. The virus spreads mainly from person to person through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks. COVID-19 can be spread by people who are not showing symptoms (asymptomatic). COVID-19 can be diagnosed through testing, and vaccination can help protect you.

Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) has developed the following guidance and resources for the UW community:

Employee health guidance

Occupational Health continues to maintain disease surveillance for COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses to monitor trends and provide timely campus updates and guidance as needed.

If you experience upper respiratory symptoms, such as a cough, sore throat, or stuffy nose, stay home and test for COVID-19 using an at-home antigen test kit. Even though you are no longer infectious, you could still test positive for up to 90 days. Per CDC guidance, you do not need retest for 90 days.
If you were exposed to COVID-19, follow the CDC’s respiratory virus guidance.
If you test positive for COVID-19, review the CDC’s guidance on how to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses when you are sick. Wear a high-quality mask if you need to be around others at home or in public.

Return to work guidance

If you test positive for COVID-19, you may return to work if you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the aid of medication and your symptoms are improving. You do not need a negative test to return to campus.

Personal health considerations

For the 5 days following a positive test, please consider isolating yourself from other members of your residence to avoid spread, taking more steps for cleaner air, enhancing hygiene practices, wearing a well-fitting mask, keeping a distance from others in public, and/or getting tested for respiratory viruses.”

Additional COVID-19 guidance is available at Current CDC guidance

Masking

Types of masks

Wearing a mask is a key step in preventing people from getting and spreading COVID-19. Masks and respirators are effective at reducing transmission of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, when worn consistently and correctly. Masking to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at UW is currently voluntary.

N95 respirator

N95 respirators are tight-fitted filtering facepiece masks with protection against airborne particles. N95s come in different makes and models. N95 use should include:

A fit test, before use, to determine a proper fit.
Training on how to use N95 properly.
NIOSH-approved.

Occupational Health can assist you with this and can be reached at 265-5610 to coordinate

K95 respirator

K95 respirators are filtering facepiece masks commonly made in China that are like N95 masks used in the United States. Make sure K95s:

Meet the requirements set by the CDC and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
Make sure the K95 is not counterfeit (about 60% of K95s in the US are counterfeit and not approved for use, according to the CDC and NIOSH).
Do not wear more than one K95 at a time, and they should not be worn with facial hair.

Disposable/surgical Masks

Disposable/Surgical masks are fluid-resistant, loose-fitting protection that provide a barrier between the mouth and nose for the wearer against potential contaminants in the environment.

Multiple layers of non-woven material
Nose wire

Cloth masks

While typically the least effective option, cloth masks may be more comfortable. They can be made from a variety of natural and synthetic fabrics and fibers, various types of cloth mask are available. Cloth masks should have:

Two or more layers of washable, breathable fabrics.
Nose wire for a snug fit. Make sure the mask is not loose and has no gaps.
Cloth thick enough to block light when held up to bright light sources.
Do not wear cloth masks with exhalation valves or vents.

Proper wearing and care for masks

For maximum protection, wear the mask consistently and correctly, over your nose and mouth and secure under your chin. It is important to make sure when wearing the mask:

Cover your nose and mouth when wearing the mask.
Keep your mask clean and dry. Replace if it becomes wet or soiled.
If the mask is disposable, throw it away after one use.
Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before handling your mask.
Make sure you can breathe easily through the mask.

How to store and wash your mask

Store your clean dry mask in a breathable bag, such as a paper or mesh fabric bag, to keep it clean between uses. When reusing your mask, keep the same side facing out. Be sure to wash or sanitize your hands when handling your mask.

Wet cloth masks should be stored in a sealed plastic bag until they can be washed.

How to wash your mask

Be sure to keep your mask clean. Cloth masks can be washed using a washing machine or by hand with laundry detergent or soap. Make sure to completely dry your mask using a clothes dryer or through air drying by hanging or laying it flat.

Hand hygiene

Handwashing is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from getting sick. Learn when and how you should wash your hands to stay healthy.

Cleaning and disinfection

Use a disinfectant that is certified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to be effective against COVID-19. Verify the disinfectant is on the EPA’s List N registry of disinfectants. Disinfectants are listed by both name and by EPA ID number. Your product may not be listed by name, but if the EPA number matches what is on the list, then this is a good disinfectant to use.

Common disinfectants approved for COVID-19

10% bleach in water
70% ethanol

Disinfectant contact time

Disinfectants require a specific contact time in order to work. The majority require that you spray until the surface is thoroughly wet, then wait 5-10 minutes before wiping. If your disinfectant doesn’t have the specific contact time instructions on the label, that information should be available online.

Home testing

When available details are available free home tests will be available via ASPR.

Additional home tests are available from area drug stores at a minimal cost.

Confirmatory (PCR) testing may be offered by your healthcare provider.

Symptom check

Do you have new muscle aches not related to another medical condition or another specific activity (e.g. due to physical exercise)?
Do you feel like you may have a temperature of greater than 100.0°F?
Do you have sore throat not related to another medical condition (e.g. allergies)?
Do you have a new or worsening cough that is not related to another medical condition?
Do you have shortness of breath that is not attributable to another medical condition?
Do you have recent (less than five days) loss of smell and taste?
Do you have new onset of vomiting or diarrhea not related to another medical condition?
Have you had recent close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19?

If you answered yes to any of the questions above, get tested for COVID-19.

Consider antiviral treatments soon after your symptoms start. For some respiratory illnesses, there are treatments to help prevent you from becoming seriously ill or dying.

See the CDC’s page on treatment of respiratory viruses for more information on types of treatment.
Talk with your doctor to see if one of these treatments are right for you.
If you have COVID, you must begin the antiviral treatment within five days of your symptoms starting for it to be effective. Talk to your doctor or learn more about other options to see if this is right for you.

COVID-19 safety training

Replace the accordion copy for ‘COVID-19 safety training’ on the Infectious Diseases page with:

Vaccinations

On August 22, the Food and Drug Administration approved the latest annual COVID-19 vaccines, designed to be effective against the most common COVID-19 strains.

This new COVID-19 vaccine will be available at our campus vaccination events (as well as local clinics and pharmacies).

Appointments can be scheduled at UHS

Health insurance will be billed for COVID-19 vaccinations provided at all campus events.

Employees with existing UW health insurance must include their insurance card information when scheduling their vaccination visits.

New employees who do not yet have health insurance may also receive the vaccination at campus vaccination events after completing the scheduling form on the appointment website.

If desired, COVID-19 and flu shots may be received at the same visit.

The CDC recommends the new COVID-19 vaccine and the flu vaccine for those aged six months or older. For protection during the winter months, they should be received before the end of October.

People who recently experienced COVID-19 or received a COVID-19 vaccine should wait around three months before getting an updated vaccine.

Mpox

Mpox is a rare disease caused by mpox (Monkeypox) virus infection and is in the same family as smallpox (also Poxviridae). While symptoms are similar to smallpox, mpox is typically milder and rarely fatal.

Mpox can spread to anyone through close, personal, often skin-to-skin contact.

Symptoms of mpox include:

Fever
Headache
Muscle aches and backache
Swollen lymph nodes
Chills
Exhaustion
A rash that looks like pimples or blisters that appears on the face, inside the mouth, and on other parts of the body, like the hands, feet, chest, genitals, or anus.

Mpox can be transmitted from the onset of symptoms until the rash has completely healed and a new layer of skin has formed. The illness usually lasts between two to four weeks. Most individuals with mpox recover without requiring treatment. People who do not exhibit any symptoms of mpox cannot spread the virus to others.

What is Mpox?

Mpox is a disease caused by a virus similar to smallpox; however, symptoms of mpox are typically milder. Infections from the type of mpox present in the most recent outbreak are rarely fatal, but symptoms can be quite painful.

How is Mpox Spread?

Mpox spreads in various ways, primarily through:

Direct contact with the infectious rash, scabs, or body fluids.
Respiratory secretions during prolonged face-to-face contact or intimate physical contact, such as kissing, cuddling, or sexual activity.
Touching items such as clothing, bedding, or towels that have been used by someone with Mpox.

The most common mode of transmission is through direct skin-to-skin contact.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Mpox?

Mpox symptoms typically appear within three weeks after exposure to the virus and may include:

Fever
Chills
Headache
Muscle aches
Exhaustion
Swollen lymph nodes
Rash or lesions

What Steps Can I Take to Prevent Getting Mpox?

Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Avoid close contact with individuals who have Mpox and refrain from handling their linens.
Stay away from enclosed spaces where intimate or sexual contact may occur.

Currently, the risk of Mpox in the United States is considered low. However, anyone in close contact with a person who has Mpox can become infected and should take precautions to protect themselves.

What Should I Know About the Mpox Vaccine?

Vaccines are available for the following UW employee groups:

Animal care or veterinary staff having contact with research animals used in relevant Mpox (or other specific pox virus research).
Research lab staff having contact with infectious research materials used in relevant Mpox (or other specific pox virus research).
Public Health laboratorians performing the collection or testing of potentially infectious Mpox materials (or other specific pox viruses).

If you have an occupational exposure as described above and are interested in receiving the Mpox vaccine for these occupational exposures, please contact UW Occupational Medicine at 608-265-5610.

If you are a UW student without occupational exposure and interested in receiving the Mpox vaccine, please contact University Health Services at 608-265-5600. Further information is available at UW Students – University Health Services .

Alternative resources for Mpox vaccination may be available from your personal healthcare.

What If I'm Worried That I Have Been Exposed?

If you feel unwell, have an unexplained rash or lesion, and are concerned about potential or known Mpox occupational exposure, please contact UW Occupational Medicine at 608-265-5610.

What Should I Do If I Am Diagnosed with Mpox?

Please follow the instructions given by your medical provider. Employees may need to isolate in place or return home until they receive clearance from their medical provider. For further guidance, you can consult with the campus Environmental and Occupational Health Director at 608-438-5851 or refer to the CDC websites listed below.

Resources for more information

Avian Influenza

Please contact eoh@fpm.wisc.edu for assistance.