|
Mystery
illness still being investigated
Health officials are still trying to determine the cause of a gastrointestinal
illness that struck more than 120 UGA students and some faculty
and staff over the past few weeks.
Since initial test results for bacterial intestinal pathogens have
turned up negative, health officials have turned their attention
to viruses. While the causative agent has not yet been identified—and
still may not be for several more weeks—the
suspected culprit is Norwalk or norovirus (a closely related virus
to Norwalk). While this is by no means a diagnosis, UGA Environmental
Safety in cooperation with the UGA Health Center and the Georgia
Public Health Division have approached this matter based upon what
they know so far.
This type of gastrointestinal illness can be spread in a variety
of ways: by food or water, as well as by simple contact with surfaces
such as tabletops. It can also be transmitted from person to person.
Since there is no significant evidence in this situation to suggest
a foodborne or waterborne link, the primary focus is on the environment
and personal hygiene. As a precaution against contracting the virus,
officials recommend washing hands and disinfecting surfaces such
as floors, counters and appliances as well as restrooms.
Additional information is available on these University Health Center
Web sites: www.uhs.uga.edu/healthtopics/gastroenteritis.html
and www.uhs.uga.edu/healthtopics/hand_washing.html.
C-SPAN classroom bus visits GUC
The university will host the C-SPAN Classroom Bus on March 2 at
the Gwinnett University Center in Lawrenceville, where UGA offers
bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. The C-SPAN
bus will be in the Atlanta area March 1 and 2 to follow the results
of the Georgia primary and the presidential candidates’ progress
along the campaign trail.
UGA students enrolled in a course titled “Communication Strategies
in Political Campaigns,” offered through the speech communication
department, will be introduced to C-SPAN as an educational resource
that examines the rhetoric of the political process in the United
States.
“I use C-SPAN’s extensive database of speeches, debates
and other vital information in my classroom,” says Rita Van
Zant, speech communication instructor with UGA at Gwinnett, who
is responsible for the C-SPAN bus coming to the Gwinnett campus.
“Students understand communication strategies much better
when they see the actual political events. What’s more, they
can go to the C-SPAN Web site later to view them again.”
Seminar honors noted psychologist
“Supporting People with Disabilities to Balance Choice and
Risk” is the theme for the fourth annual Dr. Ro Vision Series
Seminar, slated for March 4 at the Classic Center. The seminar is
for professional, management and direct support personnel who work
with people with cognitive or learning disabilities and a variety
of challenging behaviors. It honors the work and philosophy of the
late Rolando Figueroa, a clinical psychologist known for his excellence
in support of people with disabilities.
Wade Hitzing of Fort Myers, Fla., will lead the seminar. Hitzing
is a trainer in the field of positive behavior supports and a consultant
for the Georgia Department of Human Resources.
Seminar participants will learn how to negotiate a balance between
the goal of respecting and supporting people’s choices with
the need to provide appropriate services.
Registration is limited to the first 200 people. The registration
fee of $45 per person includes training materials and a hot lunch.
Contact Kate Smith (583-0081 or kbsmith@uga.edu)
for more details. The seminar is sponsored by UGA’s Institute
on Human Development and Disability, Georgia Options, Inc., and
the Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities. |
