HOLLAND, MI - A Hope College student is being tested for coronavirus after potentially being exposed to the virus off campus.

The student contacted the college’s health center on Monday afternoon, reporting “minimal flu-like symptoms in combination with a possible off-campus exposure to the virus,” according to a letter posted on the college’s website.

“As a precautionary measure, the Ottawa County Department of Public Health gave the directive for the student to be tested and to be isolated,” the letter states.

The college emphasized that the student has “not been diagnosed with the virus at this point.” It said the action to test and quarantine the student was “taken out of an abundance of caution.”

“In keeping with the Department of Public Health directives, we are working with the student's roommate to take all recommended precautions and proactively monitor their health,” the college’s letter states.

The health department has not recommended that any additional actions be taken on Hope’s campus in response to the potential coronavirus case.

“Business will continue as normal; classes will proceed and offices will remain open,” the college said.

Michigan has no confirmed cases of the coronavirus, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. As of Monday evening, testing had been approved for 63 people in Michigan, 39 of whom have tested negative, according to the state. Results are pending for 24 people.

Nationwide, the virus has infected 600 people, and at least 26 have died, the Associated Press reported Tuesday morning. Most of the deaths have occurred in Washington state. “More than 115,800 people have been infected worldwide and over 4,000 have died,” the AP reported.

Symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties, according to the World Health Organization. In severe cases, it can cause kidney failure, pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome and death.

PREVENTION TIPS

Much like how you would safeguard yourself from the flu, doctors suggest people use hand sanitizer and wash their hands regularly.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends people disinfect frequently-touched objects and surfaces (countertops, doorknobs, bathroom faucets) using a regular household cleaning spray or disinfectant wipes.

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