More than 200 students, faculty, and staff have been sickened by Norovirus at Ursinus College, which is located in Collegeville, Pennsylvania. Montgomery County health officials have confirmed the presence of Norovirus in two different students. Although no source has been discovered for the outbreak, cases of illness have been linked to the Wellness Center on campus. School officials ordered aggressive cleaning after the connection was made. The outbreak has no effect on classes, but the school has warned students of the outbreak.
Norovirus outbreaks can move through crowded places, such as schools and day cares, very quickly. Norovirus is one of the most common causes of gastrointestinal distress in the United States. Cases of Norovirus infection can produce symptoms such as vomiting, abdominal cramping, and diarrhea. These symptoms develop over the course of 48 hours after infection, and will generally subside within a week. Someone showing the signs of Norovirus infection should be kept away from crowded areas and allowed to rest. Proper hand washing and sanitation will reduce the chance of infection tremendously.
