"Severe" Adenovirus case confirmed at UVA

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (FOX 5 DC) - The University of Virginia has confirmed one "severe" case of Adenovirus, a potentially deadly illness that killed a University of Maryland student last year.

UVA officials disclosed the Adenovirus case on campus earlier this week "out of an abundance of caution."

Adenoviruses cause respiratory illnesses with symptoms including sore throats, coughing and nasal symptoms. Some patients may also contract pink eye.

The virus can develop into more serious conditions such as bronchitis and pneumonia. Some cases even evolve into gastrointestinal illnesses, urinary tract infections or neurological disease.

Adenovirus can be treated with over-the-counter medication if detected early, but patients with severe cases may need hospitalization.

UVA advises students and staff to wash their hands frequently and stay away from others who are sick to avoid the illness. Students who are sick should stay home and write their professors, the school says.

An Adenovirus outbreak late last year at the University of Maryland hospitalized eight students and sickened many others. One student, freshman Olivia Paregol, died from her illness last November. Paregol's parents may sue the school.