According to the Stanford Daily, at least fifty-two students have been sickened in an illness outbreak at Stanford University. The outbreak occurred among those who ate at the dining hall in Florence Moore Hall. Four students have been treated for dehydration. Early reports are that the illness is caused by norovirus, a common cause of gastrointestinal infections.
Norovirus is commonly spread through unwashed hands, or food or drink contaminated by a person with the virus. It is more common in the cold weather months, when more people stay indoors. The virus is very contagious. It sickens about 20,000,000 people every year in the United States.
The illnesses began on Tuesday, October 29, 2013, with students suffering from vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. The dining hall was closed to “heavily sanitize” the facilities. The Santa Clara County Public Health Department is investigating this outbreak. Officials will try to find the source of contamination and confirm that the illnesses are caused by norovirus.
The university does have an early warning system in place. School officials contacted the health department as soon as they realized there was a problem. To prevent the spread of norovirus, which is easily spread person to person, people should wash hands thoroughly after using the bathroom and before preparing or serving food or drink. Anyone who is sick should not prepare or handle food and should limit contact with others.
