At least 50 students from a California university campus is reported to have shown symptoms of a norovirus infection.
Chapman University in Orange County has confirmed in a statement on Monday, Dec. 7, that as many as 50 of their students have developed norovirus symptoms that include vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea. The students have begun reporting them by Dec. 2, and at least two have been confirmed to have the virus.
The case is now being investigated by the university along with county health authorities. It's still uncertain how the students have contracted the virus. However, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), norovirus is not spread airborne. It is mostly foodborne, wherein it contaminates food based on the ingredients used or the handling. The virus can then remain active for as long as two weeks if the contaminated surface isn't cleaned with a reliable disinfectant or bleach.
It may take at least two weeks after exposure to the virus before the symptoms appear. There's no single treatment for norovirus, and since this is not a bacterial infection, antibiotics are not provided. Rather, the approach is symptom based. If the patient is suffering from dehydration, regular intake of fluid and sports drinks can help. Many of the sufferers get well without severe complications, but the virus can be life threatening to people with an already compromised immune system, are older, or are children.
The university has already outlined the steps to curtail the spread of the virus including disinfecting high-traffic areas, especially the restrooms and the dining halls, of which one was closed temporarily over the weekend for intensive cleaning. It has also advised students with the symptoms to avoid attending university classes and activities until they are checked and have fully recovered.
For more details about the norovirus outbreak in Chapman University, visit here.
