This page serves as a resource for information on public health issues and communicable illnesses for the MCLA community. Please check back frequently for updates.
What is COVID-19?
COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) is a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It can be very contagious and can spread quickly COVID-19 most often causes respiratory symptoms that can feel much like a cold, the flu, or pneumonia. COVID-19 may attack more than your lungs and respiratory system. Other parts of your body may also be affected by the disease. COVID-19, like the flu, pneumonia and RSV falls into the category of respiratory illnesses. Respiratory illnesses are viruses that may cause both upper respiratory tract symptoms (the vocal chords and above) and lower respiratory tract symptoms (below the vocal chords). Some viruses also affect the nose, throat and lungs, and can lead to serious lung infections, such as pneumonia.
What are respiratory illnesses?
Common respiratory viral illnesses are COVID-19, Flu, RSV, Adenovirus, Rhinovirus/Enterovirus (common cold), Parainfluenza and Parvovirus B19 (Fifth Disease).
What are COVID-19 symptoms?
The following list does not include all possible symptoms. Symptoms may change with new COVID-19 variants and can vary depending on vaccination status. Possible symptoms include:
If you have an emergency like trouble breathing or chest pain, seek emergency medical care immediately. Call 911 or MCLA Public Safety 413.662.5100
How does COVID-19 spread?
COVID-19 spreads when an infected person breathes out droplets and very small particles that contain the virus. Other people can breathe in these droplets and particles, or these droplets and particles can land on others' eyes, nose, or mouth. In some circumstances, these droplets may contaminate the surfaces they touch. Anyone infected with COVID-19 can spread it, even if they do NOT have symptoms. COVID-19 can even spread from people to animals in some situations.
Where can MCLA student’s get a COVID-19 test?
Call Health Services at 413.662.5421 to a make an appointment for a test or to be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
What to do if you test positive for COVID-19.
Contact your professors for guidance with class attendance. Health Services does not provide class excuses. Take your meals to go and do not eat in the dining area.
Stay home if you experience symptoms of a respiratory virus, such as COVID-19, such as a fever, sore throat, cough, or runny/stuffy nose. Accordance with CDC guidance: Preventing Spread of Respiratory Viruses When You're Sick | Respiratory Illnesses | CDC
You can begin normal activities with precautions if:
You may still be able to spread the virus that made you sick, even if you are feeling better. For at least 5 days after you resume normal activities, these additional precautions are recommended:
What should you do if you were exposed to COVID-19 or a respiratory illness.
You do NOT need to stay home if you’ve had an exposure, as long as you do not have any symptoms. You should monitor yourself closely, if you start to develop any signs of illness contact your healthcare provider. You can also consider masking when around others or in crowded spaces.
Should you wear a mask?
Wearing a mask is your personal choice and can help lower the risk of respiratory virus transmission. When worn by a person with an infection, masks reduce the spread of the virus to others. Masks can also protect wearers from breathing in infectious particles from people around them. Different masks offer different levels of protection. Wearing the most protective one you can comfortably wear for extended periods of time that fits well (completely covering the nose and mouth) is the most effective option.
Should you maintain a physical distance from others?
You should maintain a physical distance if are positive for COVID-19 or other respiratory illnesses. Putting physical distance between yourself and others can help lower the risk of spreading a respiratory virus. There is no single number that defines a “safe” distance, since spread of viruses can depend on many factors. Generally, infectious droplets and particles build up closer to the person who is releasing them. The closer you are to someone who has a respiratory virus, the more likely you are to catch it.
How to avoid becoming ill with COVID-19 or a respiratory illness?
Get your vaccines for COVID-19, and other respiratory illnesses, for example flu, RSV, and pneumonia. Follow good hand hygiene. Avoid crowded areas. Keep yourself well with healthy habits and strong immune system.
For more information, please visit MADPH for more information. Staying home to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses | Mass.gov
Information adapted from CDC. CDC's Updated Respiratory Virus Guidance: What to Do When You Are Sick | NCIRD | CDC
Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox)
MCLA Health Services is committed to informing the MCLA community about health issues that may affect them. We recognize that there is risk for stigma or discrimination when communicating about a new disease outbreak. We all have a responsibility to reject any stigmatizing words or actions related to Mpox (hMPXV) virus and instead, share accurate information so that people can make the best decisions for their health and the health of our community. Mpox is not a sexually transmitted disease as it can be transmitted by any direct physical contact between someone’s rash, scabs, bodily fluids, and another person. This contact can include sexual activity and any touching of the lesions/rash or even touching of clothing or bedding that an infected person used.
What is Mpox?
Mpox symptoms
People with Mpox often get a rash that may be located on hands, feet, chest, face, or mouth or near the genitals, including penis, testicles, labia, and vagina, and anus. The incubation period is 3-17 days. During this time, a person does not have symptoms and may feel fine.
The rash will go through several stages, including scabs, before healing.
The rash can initially look like pimples or blisters and may be painful or itchy.
Other symptoms of Mpox can include:
You may experience all or only a few symptoms. Watch for symptoms of Mpox for 21 days from the date of your last exposure. If you have symptoms, such as a rash, visit a healthcare provider.
How long do Mpox symptoms last?
How is Mpox spread?
Mpox is spread through:
What to do if you are a close contact.
If You're a Close Contact | Mpox | Poxvirus | CDC
What to do if you think you have Mpox?
When to Get Tested
Where to Get Tested
What to Expect When You Get Tested
How can you reduce your risk and prevent spread?
Mpox Vaccination Basics
Mpox Vaccine Recommendations | Mpox | Poxvirus | CDC
Information adapted from:
When is Flu season?
How does Flu spread?
When are infected people considered contagious?
When do symptoms develop?
What are the preventive steps to avoid the flu?
How do I know if I have the Flu or Covid-19?
Information adapted from: CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm
What is Pertussis/Whooping Cough?
Whooping cough, also known as pertussis, is a very contagious respiratory illness. Whooping cough may begin like a common cold, but unlike a cold, the coughing can last for weeks or months. Whooping cough is a respiratory illness caused by a type of bacteria called Bordetella pertussis. The disease is only found in humans. Whooping cough bacteria attach to the cilia (tiny, hair-like extensions) that line part of the upper respiratory system. The bacteria release toxins (poisons), which damage the cilia and cause airways to swell.
What are the symptoms of Pertussis/Whooping Cough?
Symptoms of whooping cough can vary for people based on their age and if they've been vaccinated or not. It usually takes 5 to 10 days for symptoms to appear after exposure to the bacteria that cause whooping cough. Sometimes symptoms don't develop for as long as 3 weeks.
Early symptoms of pertussis/whooping cough can last for 1 to 2 weeks and usually include:
Later symptoms include paroxysms, or coughing fits lasting 1 to 6 weeks but can last for up to 10 weeks:
Coughing fits can cause people to:
How is Pertussis/Whooping Cough diagnosed?
Pertussis/Whooping cough can be difficult to diagnose because the signs and symptoms are often like other respiratory illnesses. It can be helpful to know if you've been in contact with someone who has whooping cough.
Healthcare professionals can diagnose by:
How is Pertussis/Whooping Cough treated?
How do you prevent Pertussis/Whooping Cough?
For more information, please visit the CDC. Pertussis (Whooping Cough) | Whooping Cough | CDC
What is measles?
Is measles dangerous?
How is measles spread?
Who gets measles?
How is measles diagnosed?
How can you prevent measles?
What should travelers do?
Is MMR vaccine safe?
Who should not get MMR vaccine?
Should healthcare workers be extra careful about measles?
Where can I get more information?
Information adapted from: CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/measles/index.html
What is Polio?
Polio (short for “poliomyelitis”) is a very contagious disease caused by a virus. It is rare in the U.S. Approximately 95% of people infected with polio will have no symptoms. About 4 – 8% of those infected will have minor symptoms such as fever, fatigue, nausea, headache, flu-like symptoms, stiffness in the neck and back, and pain in the limbs, which often resolve completely. Less than 1% of polio cases result in permanent paralysis of the limbs (usually the legs).
Polio may not cause serious illness in most people, but sometimes it can kill people who get it, usually by paralyzing the muscles that help in breathing. Polio is still common in some parts of the world. So, although there hasn’t been a case of polio caused by naturally occurring virus in the United States since 1979, there is still a risk of the virus coming into this country.
https://www.mass.gov/service-details/polio
Is polio dangerous?
How is polio spread?
How can you prevent polio?
Children:
Adults:
Most adults do not need polio vaccine because they were already vaccinated as children. But three groups of adults are at higher risk and should consider polio vaccination:
How many polio vaccines are there?
Are polio vaccines safe?
Who should not get IPV?
Should travelers get polio boosters before leaving the United States?
To find out if the CDC recommends a polio booster dose for a trip, call 1-877-394-8747 or visit either the CDC Travel Information website or the World Health Organization Polio Eradication website.
What is post-polio syndrome?
Where can I get more information?
Information adapted from: CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/polio/what-is-polio/index.htm
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or, MCLA Campus Safety 413.662.5100
If you are experiencing any concerning symptoms, call MCLA Health Services at 413.662.5421 Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:00 pm, to make an appointment or speak with a provider.
If you are experiencing any concerning symptoms and Health Services is closed, you may visit local community Urgent Care or Emergency Rooms.
Berkshire Medical Center | The flagship hospital for Berkshire Health Systems - BMC is a full-service level III trauma center. It is located at 725 North Street Pittsfield, MA. | |
North Adams Campus of BMC | Berkshire Medical Center's North Adams Campus provides numerous outpatient services for the North Berkshire community, including 24-hour emergency care, outpatient imaging, laboratory draw station, and more. It is located at the former North Adams Regional Hospital, 71 Hospital Avenue, North Adams. | |
Berkshire Health Urgent Care | 550 East Street at St. Luke’s Square, Pittsfield, MA. Open every day– 413-997-0930. SVHC Urgent Care ClearChoiceMD- 856 State Road, North Adams, MA Open every day. 413-727-8088 |
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Southwestern Vermont Medical Center | SVMC is a full-service hospital providing 24-hour emergency care as well as imaging, laboratory and more. SVMC is located at 100 Hospital Drive, Bennington, VT. | |
SVMC’s ExpressCare | 120 Hospital Drive, Bennington, Vermont. Daily 8AM to 6PM (Closed Thanksgiving and Christmas). 802-440-4077 |