Norovirus Outbreak Confirmed At University Of Michigan After 100 Students Fall Ill
ANN ARBOR (WWJ) - Officials at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services have confirmed a norovirus outbreak on the University of Michigan's Ann Arbor campus.
University health officials are telling students to practice frequent hand washing after more than 100 students fell ill this week — with the earliest cases reported Monday at the South and West Quad dorms.
It's also advised not to share drinks, disinfect contaminated surfaces such as such as counter tops and cell phones, and avoid others who may be sick.
The health department said Friday that tests have confirmed it was norovirus, although they were still trying to determine the source of the outbreak.
Spokesman Rick Fitzgerald said students with symptoms — largely vomiting, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal symptoms— were advised to isolate themselves in their rooms to prevent further spread of the illness.
Meantime, the university is using a special virus-related cleaning procedure in all of the dining facilities and residence halls.
Fitzgerald said all of the ill students ate at the South Quad cafeteria.
Norovirus is highly contagious and generally lasts about three days.