Students were warned Monday about the risk of contracting a norovirus, a type highly contagious infection that causes vomiting, diarrhea and fever among other symptoms.
Several cases of noroviruses have been reported among Duke students and employees within the last week, according to a letter sent by Student Health Executive Director Dr. William Purdy to the student body Monday. Noroviruses, commonly known as the stomach flu, are characterized by acute vomiting, diarrhea, nausea and some stomach cramping along with headaches, fatigue and fever in some cases. Symptoms are expected to last between one and three days. Dehydration is the main risk from a norovirus infection.
“We’ve seen several cases which we have assumed are noroviruses, there have been several in Duke Hospital and in the Durham area,” Purdy said in an interview Monday. “We’re always concerned every year, because this the time of year which we usually see it, so we just have to remind people to take precautions.”
The state Division of Public Health has also issued an advisory regarding an increase in infections throughout the state. State epidemiologist Megan Davies was unavailable for comment.
Purdy added that the disease can spread fairly rapidly, and that effective hand hygiene is best to prevent norovirus transmission, as it can be passed through contaminated food or water and by touching contaminated surfaces. The letter also noted that alcohol-based sanitizers may not be effective against the virus.
The notification recommended that students who are exhibiting norovirus symptoms to remain in their rooms and minimize contact with others to limit the spread of the virus. Suspected cases should be reported to Student Health.
“The best thing [to treat the virus] is just rest and clear fluids, but if they’re worried that they’ve lost too much fluid, then we should at least talk with them or see them at Student Health,” Purdy said.
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