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Health officials confirm norovirus outbreak at Brock University
Niagara Region Public Health has confirmed through laboratory testing that norovirus is the cause of the gastrointestinal symptoms some Brock University students have been experiencing.
It did not provide any information on the scope of the outbreak or how many students were affected. However, the university says that cases are decreasing.
People posted on a Brock University Reddit Board that they got sick after eating food at their residence. One user said there were “floors of puking kids.”
“I felt like it was scary, especially since school is really busy and it’s probably mostly first years. They don’t wanna be dealing with sickness and missing class because of that, so I felt really bad,” a student said.
The health agency says norovirus spreads easily from person-to-person and can cause symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, nausea and stomach cramps.
The university says its dining halls remain fully operational with enhanced cleaning measures and limited self-serve options to help restrict the spread of viral illness.
It says increased disinfecting and targeted cleaning are also still in effect within residences.
Health officials say the most effective way to limit the spread of norovirus is through frequent and thorough handwashing, especially before eating and handling food as well as before entering the dining halls and after using the bathroom.
Students are advised to frequently clean and disinfect shared spaces and high-touch surfaces, including doorknobs and shared bathrooms, using a cleaner that contains bleach.
Students who are experiencing symptoms of norovirus are instructed to drink fluids and avoid large gatherings.
Public Health is actively tracking symptom patterns, timing and lab results. Symptoms can be reported directly to them at inspect@niagararegion.ca.
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