The gastrointestinal bug, norovirus, has been confirmed to be the cause of at least 15 University of Virginia students GI illness, according to the Cavalier Daily report today.
Student Health Director Chris Holstege sent a statement to first-year students on Nov. 16, alerting them that 15 students had reported to the U.Va. Emergency Department.
To date, the source of the norovirus has yet to be determined and the investigation is ongoing.
According to Elizabeth Beasley, a spokesperson for the Thomas Jefferson Health District, “The Virginia Department of Health is actively investigating and conducting surveillance for more cases in partnership with the University,” Beasley said in an email.
“What the department is most concerned about now is stopping further transmissions of the virus. … We are not aware of any other outbreaks in our health district, but there are norovirus outbreaks under investigation in other areas across the state.”
The Virginia norovirus outbreak follows outbreaks on Princess Cruise Lines, Crown Princess and an outbreak at Emory University in Atlanta.
Norovirus is a highly contagious viral illness that often goes by other names, such as viral gastroenteritis, stomach flu, and food poisoning.
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