Suspected Norovirus Outbreak Strikes Oakland University Campus
ROCHESTER HILLS (WWJ) - More than a dozen students have been sickened by a highly contagious suspected norovirus on the campus of Oakland University.
Diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and fever are just some of the symptoms linked to the latest bug circling campus, according to Nancy Jansen is Director of the Graham Health Center at OU.
She said the 13 students showing signs of the sickness should start to feel better in about a day.
"At this point, it's a norovirus-like disease," she told WWJ's Chris Renwick. "Another name for it is winter vomiting disease. It's common every year in the winter, and generally it's not something that we usually will test to see what germ it is. We just provide care, because patients usually recover within about 24 hours."
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says infected food workers cause about 70 percent of reported norovirus outbreaks from contaminated food, but the school's hospitality provider has denied responsibility for the outbreak.
So, what's the best way to stop the spread of the virus?
"Washing their hands frequently; that's the most important thing that they can do to prevent infection is frequent hand washing," she said. "Not sharing items such as towels, utensils, cups, food items. But frequent hand washing is critical, because if you're...turning the door knob, touching things, and then you go to eat something, you can ingest the virus."
Jansen said students exhibiting signs of the virus should get checked out at the health center.
"Many students will recover on their own. However, if they have any underling health problems, they may need the extra support that we can provide," Jansen said. "We do have medication that can prevent or decrease the risk of continued, persistent vomiting. For some people, if you have underlying health issues, it can be quite serious."
Any student without health insurance will be charged $45 for the visit.
