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Freshman year is a time to discover college, test the varying levels of independence, and inevitably gain the freshman fifteen. Olivia Paregol, a first-year student at the University of Maryland, didn’t get the opportunity to live the full college experience as she passed away on November 20, 2018. The 18-year-old was diagnosed with Adenovirus.
According to the CDC, Adenoviruses are common viruses that produce non-severe cold-like symptoms and a sore throat. Other symptoms that are more severe include bronchitis, pneumonia, diarrhea, and pink eye. People with existing respiratory, cardiac, or immune system conditions are more likely to get infected by these viruses than others.
Olivia suffered from Crohn’s disease, an inflammatory bowel disease that causes abdominal pain and inflammation of the digestive tract.
Adenovirus On Campus
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The first case of the adenovirus was discovered on November 1, 2018. The university has confirmed five other cases of the virus since then. In a letter addressed to the campus community, the University Health Center Director, David McBride, provided symptoms to look out for and when to visit a health care physician should these symptoms arise.
McBride also notes that those with chronic conditions need to take extra precautions in an effort to protect themselves from the virus. It’s rare for severe illness to arise in those with healthy immune systems. The virus is highly contagious spreads by touching either a contaminated surface or person.
The Outbreak
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The 11th child in the New Jersey Adenovirus outbreak died on November 19, 2018. An additional 23 children are sick.
Olivia Paregol lived in an on-campus dorm that’s known for having mold problems and was only tested for the Adenovirus after learning that other students had been diagnosed.
In an interview with WJLA, Olivia’s father, Ian, said that Olivia’s room was remediated twice. On his daughter’s illness, Ian commented, “She definitely appeared to be getting sicker and sicker.”
The campus released the following statement on Twitter after being urged by Olivia’s family.
#BREAKING #UMD student dies after being diagnosed with Adenovirus associated illness.
5 additional students were also recently diagnosed. pic.twitter.com/vD66CMTJwF
— Anna-Lysa Gayle (@AnnaLysaGayle) November 20, 2018
