Hope College in Holland is expected to
remain closed a day longer because of “a growing outbreak of a noro-like virus”
there, school officials said. The number of cases of the virus among students,
faculty and staff has risen to about 400, according to reports.
All classes,
athletic events and other campus activities are cancelled. Facility sanitizing
efforts continue. The source of the infection is not known yet, but health and
school officials are working to find out. The campus is cleaned thoroughly to
eliminate lingering viruses.
Noroviruses cause the stomach flu, also
known as gastroenteritis. People infected with the virus usually experience
diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Virus symptoms typically last a couple of days.
“Students who have become infected while
away from the campus are advised not to return until they receive permission
from college officials,” according to a statement on Hope’s Web site.
There are some simple steps students should
take to protect themselves from the contagious norovirus: wash your hands with
soap and warm water before eating food and after using the bathroom, stay home
from work or school if you are sick, avoid public or crowded places in case of
infection.
Becoming infected with norovirus may lead
to complications such as dehydration, especially among the young and elderly,
and may require medical attention, according to the U.S. Centers for Prevention
and Disease Control. People with diarrhea or vomiting should drink plenty of
fluids to prevent dehydration. Outbreaks usually include restaurants and
catered meals, nursing homes, schools, and vacation settings or cruise ships,
according to the CDC.
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