Norovirus Identified As Cause of Stanford University Outbreak

The Santa Clara County Public Health Department announced Thursday it had completed its investigation into the cause of the gastrointestinal illness that sickened students at a Stanford residence hall and determined norovirus was the likely cause of the illness.

The original source of the outbreak, however, has not been determined, county health officials said.

Sixty-two students living in the Florence Moore residential complex on the Stanford University campus became ill between Oct. 29 and Nov. 5.

All reported stomach flu-like symptoms, including vomiting, and some reported diarrhea. Seven students who became dehydrated as a result of their symptoms went to Stanford Hospital, where they were treated and released.

The Public Health’s Department’s week-long investigation included interviews with ill and healthy students within the Florence Moore residential complex, which houses 453 undergraduate students in seven separate residences.

While the exact cause of the illness was not able to be confirmed, norovirus would explain many characteristics of the outbreak, county health officials added.

Norovirus is a highly contagious gastrointestinal illness that commonly causes outbreaks during this time of year.

It can quickly spread from an infected person, contaminated food or water, or from a contaminated surface, such as a door handle or food utensil.

The virus often spreads rapidly in areas where there are many people in close proximity, such as on cruise ships, in hospitals, nursing homes, or residence halls.

Due to an early reporting system in place at all residence halls at Stanford University, including the Florence Moore complex, students notified Stanford health officials immediately.

Measures were put in place right away to limit the spread to other students in Florence Moore, as well as to other residence halls, health officials said.

The steps taken were effective in damping the spread of infection within the residence and beyond, they added.

The measures included thoroughly sanitizing potentially contaminated areas, and educating students about how to prevent spread of illness through self-care and frequent hand washing.

Although the specific source of the exposure could not be determined, the complex's dining hall underwent a complete sanitizing, and all common areas and bathrooms in the Florence Moore complex were cleaned thoroughly and repeatedly.

Norovirus is most common during the winter months. To prevent the spread of norovirus and other illnesses, county health officials recommended that people wash their hands frequently with soap and water.

For more information,and tips on staying healthy, please visit: http://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/