A common stomach ailment that has been spreading across college campuses this winter has reached the University community.
Norovirus, also know as the "winter vomiting disease," is the general name for any seasonal gastrointestinal virus that causes what is known as the stomach flu.
There have been few reported cases at the University, but many students have experienced symptoms, said Joe Chance, director of general medicine at Student Health.
Because of the virus's nickname, many think that Norovirus is only common in the winter, but it can occur at any time of the year, Chance said.
Norovirus is more common during the winter because people congregate and are doing more activities inside. Also, the cool, dry weather helps the virus spread more easily, said Roy Cruise, senior epidemiologist at the Thomas Jefferson Health Department.
Most people who are infected with Norovirus start vomiting and have diarrhea, and half of those infected also have a slight fever. The virus is highly contagious and very common, Cruise said.
"As few as 10 viral particles are sufficient to make a person sick," he said.
Viruses can be spread through person-to-person contact, by eating food that has been exposed to the viruses or by coming in contact with improperly treated water, according to Cruise.
There are no commercially available tests to diagnose the stomach flu and because there are so many different viruses, there is no way to identify them all, Chance said.
There also are no known cures.
"Immunity is strain-specific," Cruise said. "Half of all food-born diseases are related to Norovirus."
Therefore, a person could be immune to one strain, but because there are so many strains, a person can be continually infected with the stomach flu.
Norovirus does not pose a serious threat to most college students. The average student will feel ill and uncomfortable, according to Cruise.
Second-year Engineering student Meagan Thomasson experienced virus symptoms Sunday.
"I couldn't keep anything down," Thomasson said.
The virus can be very harmful to children, the elderly and any others who have a weak immune system. Due to the excessive vomiting and diarrhea, the virus can cause dehydration, which could be a serious health risk, Cruise said.
The best way to avoid getting Norovirus is to practice good hygiene habits. "Stay hydrated and watch your diet," Chance said.
Cruise said people should be careful around those who are ill or who have recently been sick, because the virus can be spread for up to two weeks after a person has recovered.
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