April 26, 2024 3 p.m.

Lane County Public Health is investigating multiple cases of community spread of pertussis/whooping cough in Lane County, and cases have been confirmed on campus.

UO University Health Services sent notification letters to those who may have been exposed to previously confirmed student cases. We expect more cases from community spread and so are providing this general notification to the campus community. Once cases reach community spread level, individual notification letters are not sent.

Influenza A and allergies are also being regularly diagnosed in the UO community, and these can cause similar symptoms.

What is Pertussis?

Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a contagious respiratory tract infection that presents as an acute cough in most patients. It is caused by a bacterium. Pertussis is spread by respiratory droplets from an infected person who is coughing, that are then breathed in by people within six feet of an infected person. Less commonly, pertussis is spread by direct contact with respiratory secretions. Pertussis also is known as the “100-day cough” because symptoms can last for weeks, even months.

Is Pertussis contagious?

Yes.  Pertussis cases are most contagious for the first two weeks of illness (when cases have cold‐like symptoms), and at the beginning of the coughing phase. Thereafter contagiousness gradually decreases and becomes negligible by about three weeks after coughing onset.

What are the symptoms of Pertussis?

Pertussis symptoms typically begin 5-10 days after exposure. Sometimes symptoms can take as long as three weeks to develop.

Pertussis typically progresses through three stages:

1. Early Symptoms (weeks 1-2): Mild cold symptoms (runny, stuffed up nose, low grade fever of less than 100.4F) with an intermittent non-productive cough.
2. Later Symptoms (weeks 2-6): Coughing fits—spasms of cough ending with a gasp, whoop, or vomiting after coughing—which can then last for several weeks. While the risk of serious complications in young, healthy people is generally low, these coughing fits can be disruptive and sometimes intense enough to cause broken ribs. Adolescents and adults who have been vaccinated for pertussis may have less dramatic symptoms.
3. Gradual Recovery (weeks 6-10): Gradual resolution of coughing over a period of two to three weeks. Recovery is often slow!

What actions should I take?

• The best way to protect against pertussis is with vaccination. The tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine is a required vaccine at the University of Oregon. Being up to date with Tdap means having had a Tdap vaccine in the past 10 years, after age 11. Students can check the myUOHealth Portal (immunization tab) to see if you are up to date with Tdap vaccine. If you aren’t up to date with Tdap vaccination, UO students can get vaccinated at UHS, and appointments are available through the MyUOHealth Portal (appointments tab). Tdap vaccine is very effective but not perfect. Occasionally, even those who have been appropriately vaccinated with Tdap may still become ill, though not as severely. UO faculty and staff should contact their own healthcare provider.
• If you suspect that you have symptoms of pertussis, seek medical UO students can call their own healthcare providers or UHS at (541) 346-2770. Please let UHS staff know that you have possible symptoms of pertussis or have been in contact with someone who has a suspected or confirmed pertussis. UO faculty and staff should call their own healthcare provider.
• People in certain high-risk populations should consider post exposure prophylaxis with antibiotics. These populations include:
• Infants and pregnant people, especially pregnant persons in their third trimester
• People who have close contact with a pregnant person or an infant
• All those attending or working in a childcare setting
• If you have asthma, a weakened immune system, or other underlying medical issue

Call your healthcare provider or UHS for an appointment (541-346-2770)

Preventing the Spread of Pertussis

Like many respiratory illnesses, pertussis spreads by coughing and sneezing while in close contact with others, who then breathe in the bacteria. CDC recommends practicing good hygiene to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses. To decrease the risk of contracting pertussis:

• Wear a mask; KN95 or KN94 masks are more effective than surgical masks, though surgical masks are still effective.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
• Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub for at least 20 seconds.

Resources for More Information

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/pertussis/index.html
• Oregon Health Authority: http://www.oregon.gov/oha/PH/DISEASESCONDITIONS/COMMUNICABLEDISEASE/Pages/fs-pertussis.aspx
• UO University Health Services: 541-346-2770
• UO Oregon Public Health Corps:  541-346-2292
• Lane County Public Health https://www.lanecounty.org/news/what_s_new/PR_HHS_042624_PertussisCases

4/22/2024, 5:40 p.m.

Early Monday morning, 2 a.m., April 22, 2024, UO Police Department discovered a fire in the garbage enclosure at Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art. The Eugene Police Department reported several small fires in the area off campus. The Eugene-Springfield Fire Department responded and extinguished the fire. The fire damaged the garbage dumpster, as well as the enclosure walls and floor.

This event is under investigation. If you can provide information about this incident call the UOPD non-emergency number at 541-346-2919. In emergencies or if you see a crime being committed, call 9-1-1.

Fire Safety Tips
• Report smoke or fire immediately by calling 9-1-1. Then call UOPD at 541-346-2919.
• When a building fire alarm sounds, evacuate the building immediately.
• If you see anyone or anything suspicious on campus, contact UOPD right away.
• Do not prop locked exterior doors open or allow unauthorized people into buildings.

Lane County Public Health is investigating cases of pertussis in Lane County, with at least one confirmed case on campus.

• Being up to date with the UO-required Tdap vaccine is an effective way to prevent the disease. Check the myUOHealth portal (“Immunization” tab) to see if you have had your Tdap vaccine within the past ten years, after age eleven. If you need a Tdap vaccine, schedule an appointment through the myUOHealth portal (“Appointments” tab). If you are up to date with Tdap, there is no need to schedule an appointment for a vaccine.
• If you have pertussis signs or symptoms contact your healthcare provider or call University Health Services at 541-346-2770.

Students should remain vigilant as other respiratory illnesses also have been diagnosed in the UO community.  If you have any questions concerning pertussis or other respiratory illnesses contact the Oregon Public Health Corps at 541-346-2292.

More information will be posted as it is available.

This post was edited to remove an outdated link. 

2/22/2024, 10:20 PM

Suspect no longer in the area of Barnhart/Riley Halls. Investigation ongoing. If you can provide information about this incident call 541-346-2919. In emergencies or if you see a crime being committed, call 9-1-1.

A woman reported that as she was walking near Riley Hall, at 11th Ave and Patterson St about 6:30 p.m., a man grabbed her breast. The suspect then continued walking north on Patterson St. UOPD searched the area for several hours but did not locate the suspect.

Resources and updates if and when available will be posted at alerts.uoregon.edu.

SAFETY TIPS FROM UOPD 

No action or inaction by a crime survivor makes that person responsible for his or her victimization. Perpetrators are responsible for crimes and their effects. The following suggestions may help reduce the possibility of experiencing such a crime or may improve opportunities to receive prompt assistance. 

• Always be alert when traveling to, from, and around campus – especially at night. 
• When walking at night, try to stay in well-lit areas. The UO provides an online map to help students navigate by the best-lit route around campus. The map also shows the approximately 60 emergency phones (e-phone or call boxes) that are located across campus. 
• When possible, carry a well-charged cell phone with emergency numbers pre-programmed. 
• Download the UO Mobile App for easy access to safety resources, safe ride options, and maps. 
• Duck Rides is the primary nighttime transportation services for students, staff and faculty at the UO. The service is free and peer-to-peer, with students driving students. It runs seven days a week, 6 p.m. to midnight. Call 541-346-7433 or email duckrides@uoregon.edu to make a reservation. 
• UOPD is available to provide free on-campus escorts if you are unable to find another shuttle, ride, or taxi: 541-346-2919 and press 1. 
• Communities are safest when members look out for each other: report any suspicious activity or unauthorized strangers immediately. 
• Report criminal activity (such as a break-in or intruder, robbery, or assault) immediately to 9-1-1, or for non-emergency situations on campus, to UOPD at 541-346-2919, press 0. 

RESOURCES AVAILABLE FOR SURVIVORS OF CRIME 

• Student survivors of crime may find support and resource options at safe.uoregon.edu or call the 24-hour SAFE hotline at 541-346-SAFE (7233). 
• University Counseling Services is open until 5:00 p.m. on weekdays and offers 24-hour crisis support via phone; 541-346-3227. 
• Duck Nest in EMU provides a place for students to practice self-care and life-balance. It is staffed by Peer Wellness Advocates.