Health Alerts

The Student Health Center is dedicated to providing timely and relevant information on current health concerns. Please check below for any information we have, as well as best practices to keep you safe and healthy.

Current Health Alerts

Reported Cases of Cyclosporiasis

The CDC issued a health alert on July 14, 2026, regarding Cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. Tracking nationwide cases, public health officials link the illness to fresh produce.

What You Need to Know

Good News for Roommates: Unlike the "stomach flu" (norovirus), Cyclospora is highly unlikely to spread directly from person to person. You will not catch it just by sharing a dorm room or sitting next to someone in class. It is almost always contracted by consuming contaminated food or water.

The Symptoms

Watery diarrhea (which can be frequent and sometimes explosive)
Severe stomach cramps, bloating, and increased gas
Loss of appetite and unexpected weight loss
Nausea and low-grade fever
Persistent fatigue and muscle aches

These symptoms typically begin about 1 week after eating or drinking contaminated items, but can occur anywhere from 2 to 14 days after.

How to Prevent Illness

Because the parasite is microscopic, you cannot see, smell, or taste it on your food. Standard chemical produce washes do not reliably kill Cyclospora, so your best defense is proper food handling.

Wash Your Hands: Always wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling raw food.
Rinse Produce Under Running Water: Thoroughly rinse all fresh fruits and vegetables—especially berries, cilantro, basil, and scallions—under pressurized, running tap water. Avoid simply soaking them in a bowl.
Discard Outer Leaves: Remove and throw away the outer leaves of leafy greens, like romaine or iceberg lettuce, before washing.
Cook When Possible: Cooking food is the most effective way to kill the parasite.
Store Properly: Keep cut, peeled, or cooked fruits and vegetables refrigerated.

When to Seek Care at the Student Health Center

While cyclosporiasis is rarely life-threatening, untreated cases can lead to severe dehydration and unnecessary weeks of illness. Please schedule an appointment or visit the clinic if you experience:

Diarrhea lasting more than 3 days
Signs of dehydration (e.g., dark urine, extreme thirst, dry mouth, or feeling dizzy when standing up)
An inability to keep liquids down
Severe abdominal pain or high fever

Standard stomach bug tests do not automatically screen for Cyclospora. When you visit, please tell your provider about your recent food history and any travel.

For More Information

CDC Health Alert: Domestically Acquired Cyclosporiasis Cases in Multiple U.S. States, 2026

Increased Flu Activity

The Student Health Center is issuing an alert due to a recent increase in Influenza (flu) cases on campus and in the surrounding community.

What You Need to Know

Influenza (flu) is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can cause fever, cough, headaches, and body aches
The viruses that cause flu change every year
Flu can lead to serious complications, especially for certain groups, including those with chronic medical conditions, pregnant people, young children, and older adults (65+)
Vaccination each year is the best protection from getting sick and reducing the severity of symptoms if you do get the flu
Vaccination is particularly important to protect students at higher risk for serious illness (e.g., those with asthma, diabetes, heart conditions, or weakened immune systems)
The Student Health Center offers a free flu vaccine to all registered students

The Symptoms

Fever
Cough
Headaches
Body aches

For More Information

Increased Domestic Measles Cases

The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health has issued an advisory on an increase in domestic measles cases. Measles is a highly contagious, vaccine-preventable disease where one infected person can infect up to 9 out of 10 susceptible close contacts. In light of the recent increase in cases, the Student Health Center would like to emphasize the following key messages:

Measles cases are increasing in the U.S., with ongoing outbreaks in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Utah, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin, along with continued increased international activity. Most cases are among children and adolescents who were not vaccinated or had an unknown vaccination status, resulting in hospitalizations and the first reported measles deaths in a decade. In 2025, 25 confirmed measles cases were reported among California residents, and cases continue to be reported this year.
Are you immune to measles? Documentation of the measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine or blood tests demonstrating immunity confirms your immunity to the disease. If you are exposed to measles and have completed your Immunization Requirement with the Student Health Center, you will not be required by the Department of Public Health (DPH) to quarantine. If you are exposed to measles and the Student Health Center does not have this documentation, DPH may subject you to quarantine until proof can be determined, or for 21 days following the date of exposure. You can log onto your Patient Portal and select the "immunization status" option to review your records and confirm you have documentation of your MMR vaccine or blood tests verifying your immunity.
The MMR vaccine is offered at the Student Health Center free of charge as part of your Thrive Wellness Program. The university requires up-to-date measles vaccines (MMR or MMRV) or evidence of immunity to protect students and the community, especially those unable to be vaccinated due to health issues. To prevent measles outbreaks, a vaccination rate of 95% or higher is needed. If you have been vaccinated but do not have documentation or have previously had the disease, the Student Health Center can help you establish proof of immunity with blood tests. This lab work has a cost, and you can discuss it with your practitioner if you prefer not to receive the vaccine but want to document your immunity.
Watch for the signs of measles, especially if you've traveled recently and are not immunized or have an unknown immunization status. It is important that you immediately isolate, wear a mask, and call the Student Health Center or your healthcare provider if you experience a high fever (104) that spikes quickly, a febrile rash (rash that occurs with fever), cough, runny or stuffy nose, and red watery eyes. Call the office first - do NOT show up in person before alerting the healthcare office of your symptoms so you can receive the proper instructions to manage the potential spread of illness.
When a measles case is confirmed, action is required. The Department of Public Health (DPH) initiates an investigation for every suspected measles case reported and works closely with practitioners, involved facilities, and affected individuals to provide education and identify close contacts. A measles infection is contagious four days before the rash onset and remains contagious until four days after the rash appears. Actively infectious individuals should isolate as soon as they know they are infected. The dates of isolation are determined by DPH and do not end until 4 full days after rash onset. Individuals who are exposed to an actively infectious individual and do not have documented immunity will need to quarantine. Because measles is contagious even before symptoms appear and can therefore unknowingly be spread to others, quarantine lasts for 21 days after the last exposure per DPH guidelines. If a person without documented immunity receives a dose of the MMR vaccine within 72 hours of exposure, quarantine may not be required by DPH.