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.
  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)

Students who are diagnosed with a communicable illness are urged to self-report to the university. Students should complete a Student Assistance Request via the Dean of Students website.

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.

 

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