Norovirus Outbreak Hits Local Colleges

A very contagious stomach bug, norovirus, has been making an appearance in large numbers at local college campuses, including Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Upto 200 cases have been cited among Miami students.

Cyndi Traficant, TriHealth RN at the Miami Student HealthCenter, says that a college campus is an easy place for a virus to spreadbecause “when large  groups share close quarters such as residencehalls, the potential for spread of viruses become significant.”

She adds that those affected will feel the unpleasanteffects for 24-36 hours. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention listsdiarrhea, vomiting, nausea and stomach pain among the virus’ most common symptoms.

The best way to prevent this contagious virus is to bediligent about hand washing and hygiene, and take added steps in cleaning, asthe norovirus can survive on a hard surface for days or longer.