Norovirus found on Washington college campus

Approximately 85 students at George Washington University in Washington have been sickened by norovirus this week, according to the University's Student Health Service.

Since Monday, the virus has been found at GW's Foggy Bottom campus, Mount Vernon campus and other off-campus locations.

Norovirus is a gastrointestinal illness commonly found on cruise ships. It causes severe inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Also known as stomach flu, viral gastroenteritis and food poisoning, it is highly contagious, passed person to person through direct contact by food, drink or contaminated surfaces.

Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, low grade fever, muscle ache, headache, chills and stomach pain.

The DC Department of Health has been working with university to address the problem and says it's not unusual for these types of gatrointestinal viruses to occur around this time of year.

"Since January 1, 2012, DOH has investigated a total of four confirmed norovirus outbreaks [in Washington, D.C.], including the outbreak at GWU," said Najma Roberts, Public Information Officer for the DC Department of Health. "Now is typically the time of year in which the city experiences a rise in this type of illness and it can cease as quickly as it occurs. While norovirus outbreaks occur throughout the year, nationally over 80% of them occur during November to April."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people with the virus are contagious up to two weeks after they begin to have symptoms. Typically, most people get better within a couple of days, but this can be a serious illness for some and there is no treatment or vaccine.

The CDC estimates that there are more than 20 million cases a year. In fact, norovirus is the cause of more than half of all foodborne illness outbreaks.

The best way to prevent transmission of the virus, according to the CDC, is wash your hands thoroughly with warm soapy water; if infected, clean and disinfect possible contaminated surfaces and don't prepare food if you're sick.

Post by: Saundra Young - CNN Medical Senior Producer
Filed under: Public Health

soundoff (6 Responses)

kid bed sheets

Greetings from Colorado! I'm bored to tears at work so I decided to browse your website on my iphone during lunch break. I enjoy the knowledge you provide here and can't wait to take a look when I get home. I'm amazed at how quick your blog loaded on my cell phone .. I'm not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyways, superb site!

April 1, 2012 at 14:46 | Report abuse | Reply
If you liked that checkout this All 44 US Presidents are linked and compared in this Epic historical doumentary on American Presidential Politics.A great reference tool for the 2012US Presidential election with Obama vs Romney.It will change the way you v

Magnificent post, very informative. I ponder why the opposite experts of this sector do not notice this. You should continue your writing. I'm confident, you've a huge readers' base already!|What's Taking place i'm new to this, I stumbled upon this I've found It positively helpful and it has helped me out loads. I hope to give a contribution & help different customers like its helped me. Good job.

May 2, 2012 at 11:23 | Report abuse | Reply
Elmo Gatta

Most types of gastroenteritis are highly infectious. The condition is mainly spread when bacteria found in faeces are transferred to your mouth. Bacteria can be transferred through poor hygiene. For example, if someone does not wash their hands after going to the toilet, any viruses or bacteria on their hands will be transferred to whatever they touch, such as a glass, kitchen utensil or food."...:

See you later http://healthmedicine101.comza

June 21, 2013 at 03:14 | Report abuse | Reply
christian

I've a WordPress blog with Arras theme. This site strangely shows different on different computers. On some computers, I see all 3 columsn, on other PC, I see only 1. On other PCs, some wiered things. Please somebody help me..

May 12, 2014 at 06:03 | Report abuse | Reply
Romelia Disorbo

Excellent goods from you, man. I have be mindful your stuff previous to and you are simply extremely great. I actually like what you've acquired here, certainly like what you are stating and the way during which you are saying it. You make it enjoyable and you still care for to stay it wise. I can't wait to read far more from you. This is really a tremendous website.

http://www.bb-elec.com/Tech-Support/Blogs/B-B-Insider-by-Mike-Fahrion/August-2015/The-IT-OT-Mashup.aspx

June 24, 2019 at 05:27 | Report abuse | Reply
Barry Coogen

https://www.windowsinformer.com/post-sitemap.xml

http://www.windowsinformer.com/

October 18, 2019 at 06:36 | Report abuse | Reply

Norovirus found on Washington college campus

soundoff (6 Responses)

Post a comment