MEMO: Intestinal Virus Outbreak on Campus
TO: All UA Students and Employees
FROM: Melissa Vito, vice president for student affairs
Dr. Harry M. McDermott, executive director for campus health & wellness
We have received reports from University Medical Center that they have seen 15-20 University of Arizona students in their emergency room since last night suffering from symptoms that are consistent with a highly contagious gastrointestinal virus. Symptoms are similar to those of a norovirus, which medical officials suspect, but are awaiting confirmation based on lab results. The symptoms include nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and
diarrhea.
Noroviruses are not typically life threatening, but they are extremely uncomfortable for those experiencing them. The close quarters found in college fraternities, sororities and residence halls are ideal for quickly spreading the highly contagious viruses.
UA health officials are working with the Pima County Health Department to evaluate and monitor the situation.
Noroviruses are very contagious and can be spread easily from person to person. People infected with a norovirus are contagious from the moment they begin feeling ill until at least three days after recovery. Both stool and vomit are infectious, including being in the vicinity of a person who is vomiting.
The best way to prevent infection is by frequent hand-washing including the use of hand sanitizer wipes and alcohol-based hand cleansers, as well as not sharing food, utensils or drinking glasses.
There are currently no medications that can treat noroviruses. While those who have them can feel extremely ill, vomiting many times a day, the noroviruses typically pass in a few days, without long-term damage. The primary treatment is to make sure that those who are ill drink an
adequate amount of fluids so they don't get dehydrated. Fruit juices (especially grape and apple), water and diluted sodas without caffeine (like Sprite and Ginger Ale) are helpful replacement fluids to use.
People who develop the intestinal symptoms should stay at home, rest, try to get plenty of fluids and avoid contact with others if possible until they have recovered. If they can not drink enough fluids and become very weak, lightheaded, and/or faint (symptoms of more severe dehydration), they should go to an urgent care or emergency room for evaluation as they may require intravenous fluid treatment for dehydration.
More information on norovirus intestinal infections can be found at the
Centers for Disease Control Web site: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/gastro/norovirus-qa.htm.
If you live in a UA residence hall and require additional assistance, please contact your resident assistant or community director.
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