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Norovirus on the rise at University of Guelph, over 230 students sick

Self-reported cases of a stomach bug continue to rise at the University of Guelph with over 230 students having norovirus symptoms.
By the end of last week the number of unwell students at the southwestern Ontario school was 190.
Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health reported that the first positive norovirus sample came in on Dec. 10, days after many students started reporting symptoms to the southwestern Ontario school.
The university posted on its website that the first case of self-reported gastroenteritis was on Dec. 6. The majority of cases in the first week came from the South Residence housing facility.
READ MORE: University of Guelph sees positive norovirus test in 190 students
Norovirus is a highly contagious illness that causes gastroenteritis and inflammation of the stomach lining and intestines. Its symptoms are primarily nausea, vomiting and diarrhea and it is often called the “winter vomiting bug”.
The Public Health Agency of Canada says norovirus symptoms can start within 12 hours of being exposed.
Those affected may also experience chills, headaches and a low-grade fever. People are encouraged to wash their hands well to stop its spread. Hand sanitizer alone does not work well against the virus.
It is also recommend to wash clothes in hot water on a long-cycle length and, when possible, dry items at a high-heat setting.
According to Public Health Agency of Canada most people feel better within two to three days of first symptoms but some individuals can become dehydrated and are encouraged to drink plenty of fluids.
The University of Guelph website says they’ve stepped up campus cleaning measures to help mitigate the spread of the virus and have postponed large social gatherings.
The school created a dedicated web page for students with information about the “pesky pathogen.”
“Anyone who is ill with diarrhea or vomiting should stay home/stay away from others until symptom-free for at least 48 hours (especially for those who work with food, the elderly or at a hospital),” the higher-education facility advised.
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