Wash your hands
Take precautions to stay well
3:12 p.m., Feb. 9, 2012--Several cases of norovirus have been reported recently in the region, and there are steps you can take to stop the spread of the disease.
Noroviruses typically cause severe vomiting and diarrhea, accompanied by nausea, abdominal cramps and fatigue. The virus is highly contagious and is spread person-to-person and through contaminated food.
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Individuals who experience unexplained vomiting or diarrhea should stay home at least 72 hours after the symptoms have been resolved.
For students who become sick, the Student Health Service in Laurel Hall is open 24/7. Faculty and staff who are sick should consult their personal physicians.
Here are some steps you can take to prevent the spread of norovirus, courtesy of the Centers for Disease Control:
• Wash your hands before eating or drinking, after using the bathroom and after contact with ill persons. To help members of the University community heed this advice, there are 37 hand sanitizer stations at key locations on the Newark, Wilmington, Lewes and Georgetown campuses. The locations of the touch-free, Purell dispensers are detailed on a map, a PDF of which is available here.
• Frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs and handrails, and shared bathrooms should be cleaned frequently with disinfectant.
• Do not prepare food while infected.
• If you throw up or have diarrhea, immediately clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces by using a bleach-based household cleaner as directed on the label.
• Immediately remove and wash clothing or linens that may be contaminated with vomit or stool.