Campus urged to guard against norovirus

Several outbreaks of norovirus infection have been documented in Dane County recently. Norovirus (formerly Norwalk-like virus) infection is common in the winter and is sometimes mistakenly called “stomach flu,” says Craig Roberts, epidemiologist for University Health Services (UHS) at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

Although there have been no campus cases to date, the virus is easily transmitted from person to person via contaminated hands, surfaces or food. Norovirus is characterized by an acute gastrointestinal illness with vomiting and diarrhea. Symptoms are usually very sudden in onset, may be severe and typically resolve within 24 to 48 hours. Treatment is limited to getting plenty of fluids and self-care.

Persons who have an acute illness with vomiting and/or diarrhea should not prepare or handle food for others, Roberts says.

“Ill students or staff who work in food service, health care or child care jobs must stay home from work until 48 hours after their symptoms have resolved,” he adds. “Anyone affected should limit contact with others during their illness.”

Good hand sanitation is absolutely essential. UHS recommends the following procedures for hand sanitation during illness or when the virus is suspected to be present:

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water. Dry completely.
• Apply an alcohol gel hand sanitizer and rub it all over both hands and wrists.
• Do this every time after you use the bathroom and before preparing food.

“Hand-washing is a simple practice that helps everyone stay healthy,” says Roberts. “And it will protect equally well against other illnesses, like influenza.”

Norovirus can be very infectious, especially in shared living settings such as residence halls.

Several years ago, UW–Madison experienced an outbreak of norovirus in a campus residence hall. The outbreak was traced to a student who returned from break with vomiting and diarrhea. Within five days, a large number of the other residents in her dorm became ill. All shared a single, common bathroom. No food was involved.

UHS is available to answer students’ questions on this or any other health issue. Call (608) 265-5600.

Employees with questions can contact Tom Kenney of the Safety Department at (608) 263-2177 or tkenney@fpm.wisc.edu