|
Oct
7, 2008 6:53 pm US/Pacific
Norovirus Hits 330 USC Students In
5 Days
Source of Article: http://cbs2.com/local/Norovirus.Outbreak.USC.2.835111.html
LOS ANGELES Thirty
more USC students have been hit with norovirus, a
highly contagious gastrointestinal virus, in the past 24 hours, bringing the
total tally to 330 in five days, university officials said.
"Outbreaks such as this at other campuses have begun to recede in about
five days," said Lawrence Neinstein, USC
professor of pediatrics and medicine, and executive director of the University Park Health Center.
"We find the current trend to be encouraging, but will remain vigilant
because of the highly contagious nature of the virus."
The illness that struck hundreds of USC students over the weekend was
confirmed to be norovirus by the Los Angeles County
Department of Public Health. Norovirus periodically breaks out on campuses,
cruise ships and nursing homes. Samples of the virus will be sent to the U.S.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for further study.
Students who are not feeling well should avoid socializing and taking
precautions to reduce the chance of infecting other students. To avoid
contracting the virus, staff and students were urged to wash their hands
frequently, use hand sanitizer gels or wipes and refrain from sharing work
stations, food and beverages.
The restrooms and common areas of residence halls have been thoroughly
cleaned in response to the outbreak and USC officials have provided
sanitation measures to university-owned housing and fraternity and sorority
row.
Campus offices and classes were operating as usual.
Students in need of special assistance can call the Department of Public
Safety at (213) 740-4321.
|
