Frequently Asked Questions

Adenoviruses are common viruses, encompassing 50 different types of strains that can cause a range of illnesses. Some manifest in the form of colds and pink eye; others develop into more serious respiratory infections.[6] The more serious forms of adenovirus have not been commonly observed on college campuses. For additional information visit the CDC website.

Typically, we issue communications about influenza-like illnesses, of which certain adenovirus strains are causes, in December or January. In the fall of 2018, however, when we began to observe a pattern of respiratory illness in our community, we initiated communications in early November. We worked closely with County and State health department officials, who also take guidance from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to address adenovirus on campus. We are in regular contact with these officials in addressing the occurrence of any infectious disease on our campus.

After the initial early November 2018 communication, we issued seven campus-wide communications between November 9, 2018 and January 24, 2019 about viruses and illness prevention generally, and adenovirus specifically. Our messages included advice about social distancing and handwashing and measures that must be employed to control the spread of infections in close-knit communities. We also posted to social media and distributed fliers across campus.

We understand there are questions about viruses on campus and possible links to mold found in on-campus residence halls in fall 2018. While it is true that mold can cause irritation of the respiratory tract and make individuals more susceptible to viral infections in general, the cases of adenovirus-associated illness on campus have been seen both in students living on and off campus and among students in residence halls affected by mold and not. As such, it appears that there is no consistent connection between mold exposure and the incidents of adenovirus infection affecting UMD students.
Learn more about the university’s moisture control efforts.

Yes, the university initiated an external review of our protocols and responses to adenovirus cases, and the findings support the university’s approach. The external review was completed by medical experts Dr. David S. Reitman and Dr. Paul J. Seligman, and their report can be found here. 

There are many examples of the UHC staff working with the campus community to improve the health and well-being of our students.
 
We have worked to strengthen immunization requirements by adding additional vaccines to the required list for incoming students, expanded services to sexual assault survivors and significantly expanded prevention efforts related to power-based violence. With Dining Services and the Counseling Center, we have studied food insecurity on our campus and have worked to address this need. With Dining Services, we proposed legislation that was passed in Maryland to expand availability of epinephrine auto-injectors in campus Dining Facilities to respond to food related anaphylaxis. We have expanded services through our transgender health program.
 
We’ve begun prescribing Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis for HIV. Our Health Promotion Team has created many ways for students to be tested for sexually transmitted infections (free testing with the County, reduced cost self-testing and testing with providers) to improve the sexual health of our students. The UHC regularly communicates with our Student Health Advisory Committee, and with members of the Student Government Association, Residence Hall Association and Graduate Student Government to understand the concerns of students and public health issues on our campus.