Communicable Illnesses Notification Protocol

Introduction:

Communicable (or contagious) diseases are illnesses that spread from a person, animal, surface, or even food. [1]College campuses are unique environments where transmission of these pathogens can occur quickly to a large number of people, so rapid action is essential for protecting fellow students, employees, and the surrounding community.

The University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) outlines the steps it will take in the event that a student is identified* to have a communicable illness. Examples of these communicable diseases include:

  • Pertussis
  • Meningitis (Neisseria meningitidesis the organism of concern most likely to occur in student populations)
  • Measles
  • Mpox
  • Tuberculosis
  • Chicken Pox
  • Other emerging diseases (e.g., SARS, swine flu)
  • There are other communicable diseases that are not reportable to the Department of Public Health but may invoke this protocol if there is concern for an outbreak on the campus or within the Hospital. Examples include:
    • Influenza-like illnesses
    • Norovirus or other gastrointestinal illnesses
    • SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19)

*In certain instances, suspected cases of communicable diseases will also active the below protocol. This will depend upon the probability of diagnosis, severity of the disease, and risk of transmission.

 

Identification:

Identification of a student with a communicable illness is typically disclosed to the campus in one of the following ways:

  1. Self-reported, to the University.
    1. Students seeking to self-report to the university should submit a Student Assistance Request via the Dean of Students website.
  2. Department of Public Health (city, county, or state)
  3. Hospital or Outpatient Care Center diagnosis (e.g., Family Medicine, UI Hospital Emergency Room, Infection Control, UI Hospital Microbiology Laboratory)

If a case is diagnosed at a UI Medical Center, the UI Hospital Department of Infection Control (i.e., Infection Control or IC) or the microbiology laboratory will notify the Department(s) of Public Health and the Board of Health. If the case is confirmed and, upon investigation, the Department of Public Health discovers the case is a UIC student, they will notify university leadership.

 

Notification to University Leadership:

Upon identification of a UIC student with confirmed or suspected* communicable illness, university leadership from the Office of the Dean of Students, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Student Health Services in Family and Community Medicine, Infection Control, and the UIC Pharmacy will meet to ensure a swift and coordinated response. Leadership will engage with a student’s college and/or department to ensure a student is supported academically throughout their illness.

Depending on the situation, additional campus stakeholders will be engaged including:

  • UIC Chancellor
  • Campus Housing
  • University Health Services
  • UIC Counseling Center
  • UIC Wellness Center
  • UIC Athletics
  • UIC Performing Arts
  • Student Organizations (e.g., Greek life)
  • Environmental Health and Safety
  • UIC Police
  • Campus Communications

 

Resources for Students with Communicable Illness:

The university is committed to supporting a student’s health and well-being when diagnosed with or exposed to a communicable illness.

Students are encouraged to review the Communicable Illness Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page for further information, protocols, and resources to support them throughout their infectious or post-exposure period.

 

Campus Partners

  • Office of the Dean of Students
    • Fred McCall, PhD, Executive Associate Vice Chancellor, Student Engagement & Dean of Students
  • Office of the Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs (OVCHA)
    • Susan C. Bleasdale, MD, FIDSA, FACP, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Quality & Patient Safety; Chief Quality Officer, UI Health
  • Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs (OVCSA)
    • Raphael Florestal-Kevelier, Ph.D., MPH Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Health and Wellness
  • Campus Housing
  • Counseling Center
  • Environmental Health & Safety Office (EHSO)
  • Pharmacy
  • Student Health Services at Family and Community Medicine
  • UI Health Infection Control (IC)
  • University Communications
  • University Health Services
  • UIC Police
  • Wellness Center