November 5, 11:50 a.m.   

Dear UO Community,   

Cases of pertussis (whooping cough) are continuing to spread after an outbreak in spring 2024, including some at the University of Oregon. The university is providing the following information which may help stop the spread.   

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. Students can check the myUOHealth Portal (immunization tab) to see if you are up to date with Tdap vaccine. Tdap vaccinations are available at UHS for those who need updated immunization. UO faculty and staff should contact their own healthcare provider.   

If you suspect that you have symptoms of pertussis, seek medical care. 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. Students should call 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  

Nov. 4, 2024, 3:36 p.m. edit -  Lambda Chi Alpha live-out address corrected to 669 E 15th Alley from 669 E 15th Av. 

Nov. 4, 2024,  2:30 p.m.

A UO student reported that they were sexually assaulted Saturday, Nov. 2, during a party at the Pi Kappa Phi live-out house, 1186 Ferry Street. The student also reported that they believe this may be related to an earlier possible drink drugging incident at a Halloween party on Oct. 31, at the same location. 

A drink drugging incident was also reported at Lambda Chi Alpha live-out house, 669 E 15th Alley, from a party on Oct. 24. The report was received on Oct. 29. The party location was confirmed Nov. 1. 

There have been recent reports of drink drugging at parties over the past several weeks at off-campus locations. Information currently suggests that individuals are responsible. Fraternities are cooperating with the investigations.

These reported events are under investigation. If you have any information, contact the UO Police Department non-emergency number at 541-346-2919.

• Options for reporting and frequently asked questions about drugging are available at https://investigations.uoregon.edu/how-get-support.
• Information about university conduct actions and chapter status of fraternity and sorority organizations is available at https://dos.uoregon.edu/fsl-status. 

Safety tips for partying:

• Never leave your drink unattended and use caution when accepting drinks from others. 
• Call 9-1-1 for medical and law enforcement assistance if you think something unknown has been added to your drink. 
• Don’t accept an open drink. If you order a drink, watch the person open the bottle or mix your drink.
• Stay with friends, watch out for each other, and let others know where you will be.
  

No action or inaction by a crime survivor makes that person responsible for their victimization. Perpetrators are responsible for crimes and their effects.  

Resources and support are available for survivors of crime in person and by phone 24 hours a day. 

• Students who have experienced sexual or domestic violence can find immediate help and confidential resources at safe.uoregon.edu or the 24-hour SAFE hotline at 541-346-SAFE (7233).
• The Office of the Dean of Students Care and Advocacy Program can help student survivors of a crime find support options online or call 541-346-3216. 
• University Counseling Services is open weekdays until 5:00 p.m. For 24-hour crisis support call 541-346-3227.  
• Duck Nest in EMU is staffed by Peer Wellness Advocates and provides a place for students to practice self-care and life-balance.

Any additional information will be posted at UO Alerts. Safety tips and resources are also available on that site.  

What is this notice? Campus Security Advisories are released by the University of Oregon Police Department when certain crimes are reported on or near campus property, and in compliance with federal law. These advisories provide information about campus safety situations and allow campus community members to take precautions for personal safety. This incident was a serious crime close to campus and is being shared with students and employees. All crimes should be reported as soon as possible to local law enforcement.

10/30/24, 8:50 a.m.

Eugene Police SWAT will be training October 30-31, near the 1000 block of Alder Street (between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.). The training is on the Bushnell University property and close the the UO campus. Eugene Police will be working on tactical skills and scenarios, and you may hear some pounding noises and see police personnel. This is a regular training and not an incident.

10/29/2024, 5:30 p.m., Eugene Campus   

UO Police Department received three reports of stolen electric scooters in recent days. The first incident, on Saturday, Oct. 26, involved two scooters being taken at approximately 2:30 p.m. An unknown suspect made entry into a bike cage near Barnhart Hall and lifted one scooter out of a lock and removed the second scooter from the cage.  The third theft occurred at a bike rack adjacent to Frohnmayer Music Building on Tuesday, Oct. 29. A lock was cut and the scooter was taken. The two incidents do not appear to be connected.   

Electric scooters are considered motorized vehicles in the university’s Clery Act reporting. Owners of similar equipment should be aware and use extra caution in securing their property. There is no known ongoing threat to campus.   If you have any information regarding these events, please contact UOPD at 541-346-2919. 

Property: Red and black CIRCOOTER Mate  
Location: Barnhart Hall bicycle cage  
Date: October 26 
Time: Approximately 2:30 p.m. 
Suspect: White male, approximately 40-50 years old, 5’10”-6’01” tall, medium build, salt and pepper wavy hair, last seen wearing brown jacket over a blue sweatshirt, grey/black/red shift motorcross pants, and black shoes.    Property: Black and orange electric scooter with a “SKUTE” sticker on it. Property: Black and orange electric scooter with a “SKUTE” sticker on it
 

Location: Barnhart Hall bicycle cage  
Date: October 26 Time: Approximately 2:30 p.m. 
Suspect: White male, approximately 40-50 years old, 5’10”-6’01” tall, medium build, salt and pepper wavy hair, last seen wearing brown jacket over a blue sweatshirt, grey/black/red shift motorcross pants, and black shoes.  Property: A red and white Gotrax G4  
 

Location: Frohnmayer Music Building bike rack  
Date: October 29 
Time: Between 7:30 and 9:30 a.m.  
Suspect: Unknown   

What is this notice? Campus Crime Alerts are released by the University of Oregon Police Department when certain crimes are reported on or near campus property, and in compliance with federal law. These timely warnings provide information about campus safety situations and allow campus community members to take precautions for personal safety. All crimes should be reported as soon as possible to local law enforcement.     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.  

  SAFETY TIPS FROM UOPD  

• To secure bikes and scooters, place locks around non-removable parts. Use cable and u-locks. Park them in well-lit bike parking areas with cameras when possible. For more information about secure bike parking, visit  https://transportation.uoregon.edu/bike. 
• Contact UOPD immediately if you see potential evidence of criminal activity.  
• Consider placing an RFID tracking device in a concealed location on bikes and scooters.  
• Always be alert when traveling to, from, and around campus – especially early in the morning and late at night.  
• 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. 

10/29/24, 3:50 p.m.

Emergency gas line repair is occurring near Lot 16 at Alder Street and East 14th Alley. Expect possible traffic impacts. Repair time is unknown.