2021 Norovirus Illness

Gastrointestinal illness (gastroenteritis) is inflammation of the stomach and small and large intestines. The main symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea. Other symptoms may include fever, abdominal cramps, nausea, muscle aches, and headache.

Infections causing gastroenteritis can be viral, bacterial, or parasitic in origin. Norovirus is a common cause of viral gastroenteritis. These illnesses are likely to spread at places with many people, such as schools, nursing homes, cruise ships and daycare centers, among others.

A person usually develops symptoms 12 to 48 hours after being exposed to norovirus. Most people with norovirus illness get better within 1 to 3 days.

Individuals who have gastroenteritis can spread illness to others by touching handrails, elevator buttons, shared utensils, and other people while they are ill. Infections that cause gastroenteritis can also be spread through contaminated food or water.

Early on in an outbreak, it is important to determine the causative organism. When it comes to gastroenteritis, stool collection is key for checking for a variety of viruses, bacteria and parasites that may cause such symptoms. Once an organism has been identified as present in several samples, there is no need to test the stool of every single individual with similar symptoms.

Stay hydrated with clear fluids. Wait 1-2 hours after the last episode of vomiting, and then start with small sips. Gradually increase the amount of liquid you drink. Ginger ale, sports drinks, flat soda, diluted fruit juices, or clear broth are good options. After 12 hours without vomiting, try eating bland food such as rice, potatoes, crackers, dry toast, applesauce, clear broth soups, and bananas.

The following are more difficult to digest in the 24-48 hours after illness: dairy products, alcohol, raw fruits and vegetables, spicy or fatty foods.

While nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are usually not harmful on their own, they can become dangerous. Contact a medical provider if you notice any of the following:

• Signs of dehydration such as increased thirst, dry lips or mouth, dizziness when standing up or walking
• Weakness or abdominal pain for more than two hours
• Nausea that lasts for more than three days
• Vomiting that lasts for more than one day
• Lack of urination for more than 12 hours
• Diarrhea for more than 48 hours in adults
• Intense pain in the abdomen
• Stools that have blood or pus or that are black and super-sticky
• Fever over 101 degrees
• Persons with insulin-dependent diabetes should monitor glucose and ketones as per their “diabetes sick day” plan.

Students, contact RIT Student Health Center through the Wellness Portal chat or by calling 585-475-2255. There is a nurse available after hours via phone.

Employees, if you are experiencing symptoms, reach out to your primary care provider.

Norovirus can be spread by person-to-person surface transmission. To help prevent transmission, the CDC recommends thorough handwashing, cleaning and disinfecting shared surfaces, and washing used laundry.

We have increased our deep cleaning and sanitization efforts on high-touch surfaces in residence halls, dining areas and other spaces across campus. Additionally, we are increasing cleaning with Pathocide, or equivalent, daily in all residential bathrooms, exercise facilities, academic offices and bathrooms and dining facilities. We have increased messaging regarding handwashing everywhere. On buses, be sure to use hand sanitizer getting on and off the bus. We will make cleaning products available to students living in on-campus apartments and spaces with the recommendation to clean daily and more often if anyone is ill.

Working with the Monroe County Department of Public Health, we have determined this is unlikely to be food-borne. Dining facilities remain open and have implemented additional cleaning and sanitizing protocols to ensure safety.

More information is available on the Centers for Disease Control website.