Emergency Information

Current Status

Wednesday, Oct. 4 at 9:00 a.m. –

The Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) announced that the latest test samples found no traces of Cryptosporidium oocysts in the Druid Lake Reservoir. The test results were delivered to DPW on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023.

Monday, Oct. 2, at 11:00 a.m. –

Student Health Services (SHS) has received the test results confirming that the infection is MSSA (methicillin-susceptible staph). This is treatable using the treatment plan that is already in place for residents of Hopkins. We have also had no additional cases to report since Friday, Sept. 29. Thank you to all students for their cooperation and taking proactive steps to monitor their health and contact SHS as needed.

Friday, Sept. 29, at 2:00 p.m. –

Residents of a few rooms in Hopkins Court are receiving medical treatment for a skin infection caused by staphylococcus aureus. We are waiting on additional culture results to further identify which strain of staphylococcus is present.

The students who are being treated for the infection are quarantining in their rooms; when they leave their spaces for essential purposes such as attending class or getting food, they are making sure any affected areas are covered. 

As a precautionary, prophylactic measure, all residents of Hopkins have been prescribed an antibiotic cream to use. To prevent spread, we have also increased sanitization of bathrooms and are providing linen service to those students who are affected. 

This is not an airborne infection, but rather spread through contact. We encourage you to follow good hygiene protocol, washing your hands frequently with hot water and soap, washing your linens more frequently, and using Clorox wipes to wipe down high-touch surfaces. 

Further updates will be posted here as information is available.

Thursday, Sept. 28, at 5:15 p.m. – 

The water bottle filling stations around campus meet National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) 53 certification and are approved for the removal of Cryptosporidium.

Thursday, Sept. 28, at 3:15 p.m. –

Baltimore City has issued an advisory for tap water consumption, especially for those who are immunocompromised. This advisory is in place for a geographic area that includes Loyola’s Evergreen Campus, Timonium Graduate Center, Ridley Athletic Complex, and Loyola Clinical Centers at Belvedere Square.

The Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW) announced today that low levels of the microscopic parasite Cryptosporidium were discovered during a routine test of Baltimore City water. Following DPW’s guidance, we advise members of the Loyola community with immunocompromising conditions to avoid drinking tap water.

In consultation with the Baltimore City Health Department, DPW has determined that due to the low risk, most people do not need to take any additional precautions unless they have an immunocompromising condition.

Parkhurst Dining is taking all necessary precautions. Students who are immunocompromised and have questions about dining should contact Parkhurst Dining (dining@loyola.edu)

Loyola is working closely with the Baltimore City Health Department and students with questions should check for updates on our Emergency Information page: (https://www.loyola.edu/emergency-information)

Please contact Emergency Preparedness (eprep@loyola.edu) if you have any questions.

Read more about DPW’s announcement.