Just before October 1st, NYU Shanghai had yet another first: the first case of Chickenpox. Luckily nothing as severe as the Ebola outbreak, the recent Chickenpox (水痘) outbreak infected several students, sparking concern in the student population. The disease’s most notable side effect is its itchy, blistering rashes that spread across the skin, while other effects may include fatigue and fever. Health and Wellness was quickly on the case once the first students were diagnosed, notifying Central Disease Control (CDC) and assembling a team to disinfect both the Academic Building and Motel 268 with a chlorine based disinfectant. The students that were diagnosed with the viral disease were either quarantined in single rooms in the dorms or, if from Shanghai, required to go home to stay with their respective families. Because the disease is highly contagious, preventing students from touching the rash or respiratory droplets via isolation was top priority for NYU Shanghai administration. The Health and Wellness center offered free vaccinations from the CDC for students who were not immune. Students can still receive Chickenpox vaccines by visiting WeiFang Community Health Service Center, located about a ten-minute walk away from the Academic Building. Chelina Wang, the Health Promotions Manager for NYU Shanghai, verified that there have been no new cases of the pox, and that all students who were diagnosed are now “fully recovered and have been let back to school after doctors verified that they are free of the disease.” Health and Wellness is moving forward from this outbreak by requiring all incoming freshmen, starting with the class of 2019, to get vaccinated for Chickenpox and diseases of a similar nature, before entering NYU Shanghai. This article was written by Emily Flippen. Send an email to [email protected] to get in touch.