Health officials have confirmed a norovirus outbreak involving over 100 students at the Ann Arbor campus of the University of Michigan.
The earliest cases were reported Monday at the South and West Quad dorms, according to authorities from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The health department said Friday that tests have confirmed it was a case of norovirus with a yet-to-be-determined cause.
University spokesperson Rick Fitzgerald said that the affected students all ate at the South Quad cafeteria and exhibited symptoms including diarrhea, vomiting and other gastrointestinal problems.
University officials have encouraged the sick students to stay isolated in their rooms to prevent the spread of the disease, and everyone in the school to perform handwashing frequently. Other health advice include avoiding the sharing of drinks, disinfecting surfaces and objects such as mobile phones and avoiding contact with those who may be ill.
Meanwhile, the university is conducting a relevant cleaning procedure in all of the dining halls as well as residential facilities.
Back in January, health officials in Seattle investigated a suspected norovirus outbreak at a Maggiano’s Little Italy restaurant that may have sickened nearly 50 at a private function.
Popular chain Chipotle was hounded by a multi-state E. coli outbreak starting November last year, when at least 53 people fell ill. A suspected norovirus outbreak also struck more than 140 Boston College students who had lunch at its Cleveland Circle branch.
Foodborne illnesses reach about 600 million cases and lead to 420,000 deaths annually worldwide. Based on those numbers, one in 10 people every year fall sick from what they have eaten or drank.
Norovirus is a rapid-spreading virus that can be obtained from food and drinks as well as contaminated things or surfaces. Americans contract the virus, which peaks from November to April, five times over their lifetime on average.
The so-called winter vomiting bug can strike in both children and adults and attacks the gastrointestinal lining, leading to stomach and intestinal inflammation.
Experts emphasize the importance of basic handwashing.
"One of the most important things you can do to avoid norovirus and other illnesses … is to wash your hands frequently with soap and running water for at least 20 seconds," reminds Dr. Karen Smith, director of the California Department of Public Health.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one should also wash fresh produce like fruits and vegetables thoroughly before cooking, and make sure to fully cook raw food like oysters.
Photo: Vasenka Photography | Flickr
