Student Health Services at Moffitt Health Center
Monitoring Coronavirus (COVID-19)
University COVID-19 Updates
For all USM updates and communications, visit the Office of the Provost website.
Hattiesburg Clinic opens "Cough and Fever Clinic"
Starting March 18, 2020, Hattiesburg Clinic's Cloverleaf Immediate Care Clinic located on Hwy 49 S is being converted to a "Cough and Fever Clinic."
Open 7 days a week from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. as a walk-in clinic.
Address: 5909 US 49 #20, Hattiesburg, MS 39402
Phone Number: 601-296-2800
For more information, visit Cough and Fever Clinic.
Health Center Updates
April 3, 2020
MOFFITT HEALTH CENTER and PHARMACY WILL REMAIN OPEN DURING THE COVID-19 CRISIS
HOURS OF OPERATION 4/6/2020 – 4/17/2020
Clinic: Mon-Friday 9am-noon / 1pm-4pm
Pharmacy: Mon-Friday 9am-noon / 1pm-4pm
TELEMEDICINE visits available for medication refills and minor illness. Call 601-266-5390 and a provider will return your call during business hours.
PHARMACY PICKUP WINDOW is available on the West side of Moffitt Health Center. Refills can be requested by calling 601-266-4075.
“FLATTEN THE CURVE” - In order for Mississippi to avoid hospital overload which may lead to increased deaths, it is important to start “social distancing” and “shelter in place” NOW. Mississippi is predicted to reach its peak infectivity mid-April to early-May.
COVID 19 SYMPTOMS - Fever (T 100.4 F) and cough or difficulty breathing. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure. If you become ill, SELF ISOLATE IMMEDIATELY to avoid spread of the virus to others. Call your healthcare provider for medical advice. STAY HOME except for medical care.
COVID 19 TESTING – Currently nasopharyngeal swabs can be collected on symptomatic patients at MHC and be sent to LABCORP or MSDH Lab.
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March 16, 2020
Dear University Community,
The University of Southern Mississippi continues to actively monitor the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). People in numerous countries, including the United States, and now Mississippi have been infected.
Mississippi now has several confirmed cases of COVID-19, with the anticipation of more to come in the days ahead; thus we recommend increasing your awareness of the symptoms of the virus. We also encourage the community to practice prevention techniques, including those of self-isolation when ill and social distancing. Health officials worldwide recognize that this is a rapidly evolving situation and that recommendations of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. State Department, and the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) are being updated frequently as needed.
HEALTHCARE INFRASTRUCTURE:
The Hattiesburg area is fortunate to have a local health department, as well as a number of clinics, urgent care clinics, and hospitals accessible by those in the community. While the healthcare infrastructure in Hattiesburg is well established, it is important the community understand the demand on these entities under normal circumstances, not just during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In response to needs in the area, Hattiesburg Clinic is converting the Cloverleaf Immediate Care Clinic to a Cough and Fever Clinic. More information about this clinic can be found at the top of this page.
While hospitals and emergency rooms are great resources, they are to be used in the event of an emergency. Seeking emergency services for non-emergent illness or injury delays access for those truly needing medical intervention. If you are experiencing symptoms of a cold or flu, it may be more appropriate to be seen at a primary care or urgent care clinic before going to the hospital.
If you develop fever, cough or shortness of breath AND you have recently traveled to an area of ongoing spread OR you have been in close contact with a person known (laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patient) to have COVID-19, then call ahead and speak with a medical professional for advice on where to go.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
COVID-19 (coronavirus) is the disease; SARS-2-CoV is the virus.
- Transmission
- Virus is found in respiratory secretions and saliva.
- Stool shedding also described, but uncertain what role, if any, that plays.
- Incubation period
- Range 2-14 days
- For people quarantined, 14-day observation recommended to exclude infection. Self-isolation (quarantine) does NOT mean that a person is positive for the virus. It is simply a time to prevent further spread and/or exposure to other people.
SYMPTOMS:
Symptoms may range from mild to severe and may appear 2-14 days after exposure.
- FEVER (Temp 100.4 F or higher)
- COUGH
-
SHORTNESS OF BREATH
PREVENTION:
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to the virus. Preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, include:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
- Follow CDC recommendations for using a facemask. Facemasks should be used by people who are ill to prevent the spread of the disease to others and for healthcare workers who are taking care of ill patients.
- Wash your hands often with soap & water for at least 20 seconds OR use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.CDC: Prevention & Treatment
WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE SICK:
If you develop a fever (100.4 F or higher) and symptoms such as cough or difficulty breathing, call your healthcare provider for medical advice. Self isolate and stay home except for medical care.
- Moffitt Health Center direct line is 601-266-5390.
- Stay home and self-isolate except to get medical care. CDC: What to Do If You Are Sick
IF YOU ARE RETURNING FROM AN AFFECTED COUNTRY OR AREA:
To slow the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) into the United States, the CDC has new guidelines for travelers returning from an area with widespread or ongoing community spread (Level 3 Travel Health Notice).
- Stay home for 14 days (self-isolation) and monitor your health.
- Take your temperature with a thermometer two times daily and monitor for symptoms.
- Practice social distancing and avoidance of any crowded areas.
-
If you get sick with fever (T 100.4F or higher), cough, or have trouble breathing then seek medical care.
CONTACTS:
Student Health Services at Moffitt Health Center
- Phone (601) 266-5390
- Website: https://www.usm.edu/student-health-services/monitoring_coronavirus.php
Dean of Students Office (601) 266-6028
Mississippi State Department of Health Coronavirus HOTLINE (877) 978-6453
Melissa B. Roberts, M.D.
Executive Director Student Health Services at Moffitt Health CenterResources
- Center for Disease Control: What is novel coronavirus?
- Center for Disease Control: What is my risk?
- Center for Disease Control: How to protect against novel coronavirus?
- Center for Disease Control: Stop the Spread of Germs
- S.C. Department of Health and
Environmental Control: COVID-19 Quick Facts - (PDF)
Additional Information
Interactive Case Maps
State Resources
- Mississippi Department of Health - Coronavirus Summary
- Mississippi Department of Health - Coronavirus FAQs
- Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) : Mississippi COVID-19 Hotline
- Accessible from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
- 1-877-978-6453
National Resources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Coronavirus Summary
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Coronavirus Fact Sheet
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - What the Public Should Do
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Coronavirus FAQs
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Cases in U.S.
- American College Health Association - Coronavirus Update
- American College Health Association - Coronavirus: What Campuses Need to Know