University Returning to Normal after Outbreak of Norovirus

The recent outbreak of illness among a group of high school students attending a leadership conference at the University of Maryland has abated and the campus is preparing to welcome students and faculty for the start of the school year. State health officials identified the norovirus as the probable cause of the illness that is sometimes referred to as “stomach flu,” and advised the campus on the proper disinfecting procedures to use in cleaning spaces used by the sick students. None of those spaces should present any threat to returning members of the campus community or visitors. The following information is designed to answer some of the questions you may have about the nature of this common virus and what has been done to minimize its spread on campus.

What are noroviruses?
Noroviruses, also known as Norwalk virus, are a group of commonly occurring viruses that cause the “stomach flu” or gastroenteritis. Viruses, which cannot grow outside of a person’s body, are much smaller than the bacteria and parasites that can cause similar symptoms. Viruses do not respond to treatment with antibiotics.

How do people become infected with noroviruses?
Noroviruses are found in the stool or vomit of infected people. People can become infected by:

• Having direct contact with another person who is infected and showing symptoms
• Touching surfaces or objects contaminated with the virus (such as an area where a person has vomited), and then placing their hands in their mouth
• Eating food or drinking liquids contaminated with the virus

What are the symptoms of illnesses caused by noroviruses?
The symptoms of norovirus illnesses usually include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and some stomach cramping usually lasting only about 1 or 2 days. There are generally no long lasting effects.

How serious is norovirus disease?
Norovirus illness is usually not serious, although people may feel very sick. The Centers for Disease Control report that more than 23 million cases of stomach flu are attributed to noroviruses each year. The greatest danger is from dehydration, usually among the very young and the elderly, who are not able to retain enough fluids during the course of the illness.

What has the university done to treat the virus?
Following the departure of all the high school students who became ill, the university has thoroughly cleaned all of the spaces used by their groups, including residence halls, classrooms, recreation facilities, dining facilities and shuttle buses. The cleaning was done with the guidance of State health officials using solutions and procedures known to kill the virus.

What can individuals do to prevent norovirus infections?
Since noroviruses are so common in our environment, you can decrease your chance of becoming ill by following these preventive steps:

• Frequently wash your hands, especially after toilet visits and changing diapers, and before eating or preparing food.
• Carefully wash fruits and vegetables, and steam oysters before eating them.
• Thoroughly clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces with a bleach solution after an episode of vomiting
• Immediately remove and wash clothing or linens after an episode of illness

For more information about noroviruses, visit this web site: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/gastro/norovirus-qa.htm.