Update: Norovirus Confirmed as Cause of Student Illnesses, Rider University Officials Say

Editor's Note: The following update about  was issued by the university on at 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 13.

The number of reported cases of norovirus among students continues to decline.  We have had a total of 11 reported cases from Sunday morning, Feb. 12, through Monday, Feb. 13, at 2 p.m. None of these were sent to the hospital.

In a conference call today, Feb. 13, local, county and state public health officials reaffirmed that Rider’s response to the outbreak is appropriate including the treatment and prevention of the illness.  They supported Rider’s decision to hold classes and events as scheduled. 

They also reiterated that a definitive cause for the norovirus outbreak may not ultimately be determined because outbreaks have been occurring elsewhere in the state and the virus can be transmitted in multiple ways.

At the recommendation of Student Health Services staff, beginning at 5 p.m. today, Feb. 13, we are treating all students on the Lawrenceville campus at the Student Health Center where we have increased the number of beds and are providing 24-hour coverage.  Students on the Princeton campus should continue to contact the Student Health Center on that campus where 24-hour coverage is also provided.

As circumstances change, we will respond and update our campus communities accordingly.

Editor's Note: The following update was issued by the university on Sunday afternoon, Feb. 12.

While we will post a more detailed update on Monday, Feb. 13, we have two items to report. 

First, as expected, reported cases of the illness among students have significantly declined in number and severity over the weekend.  We have had a total of 13 reported cases from 5 p.m. Friday through 1 p.m. Sunday.  Among these were three cases requiring re-hydration at the hospital and all have returned to campus.

Second, public health officials have confirmed, following testing, that norovirus is the cause of the outbreak of illness on our campuses.

Editor's Note: The two updates below were issued Friday, Feb. 10, by Lawrence Township officials.

Rider University Illness Outbreak

Feb. 10, 2012, at 1:45 p.m.

Members of the Lawrence Township Health Department, Rider University, the Mercer County Division of Health and the New Jersey State Health Department have been working together on a potential Norovirus outbreak on the campus of Rider University.

At this time, approximately 73 students have been affected by the outbreak. It is believed that the illness is related to Norovirus but tests continue to determine the exact cause.

Rider University has been taking all necessary steps to ensure that the infection does not spread. This includes sanitizing various facilities. University nursing staff is working closely with the members of the Lawrence Township Health Department in order to keep the township informed of any new reported cases of illness.

There is no indication that the illness has spread beyond the Rider University campus.

Information on the Norovirus can be found at the Center for Disease Control website located at http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/gastro/norovirus‐keyfacts.htm. This site contains key  facts about the disease as well as preventive measures.

Any person having further questions can contact the Lawrence Township Health Department for further information.

This release is provided by the Township of Lawrence, Daniel Posluszny, Chief of Police.

Rider University Norovirus Outbreak

Feb. 10, 2012, 9:15 a.m.

Rider University, State Health Department, Mercer County Division of Health and the Lawrence Township Health Department have been working closely together on a Norovirus outbreak.

A number of students and one food service worker have been seen at area hospitals since early Thursday morning. The one sick food service worker was reported to work at the Daly Dining Hall.

Though symptomatic of Norovirus, there have been no laboratory tests to confirm Norovirus in any of the people who have gone to the area hospitals. The State and the area hospitals are working together to obtain stool samples/lab samples to test for Norovirus and other food borne diseases.

As of this date, we have counted 73 people who are symptomatic. Please be advised that this number may rise, given the highly contagious nature of Norovirus.

University officials have a company come in to conduct extensive cleanings of the various facilities in an effort to break the chain of infection. The dining halls and the auditoriums (101.5 program, Tuskegee Airmen program, etc.) have received extra attention to avoid the spread of disease.

An extremely high level of hand hygiene and sanitary food handling practices have been instituted at the dining facilities and have been reviewed and inspected by Lawrence Township's health inspectors. Food handlers will be reporting daily to food service supervisors for inspection and review of sanitation and safe food handling practices.

University nursing staff is working closely with the Lawrence Township nurses in identifying and interviewing sick students and staff. These interviews will continue today and in the coming days.

The State Health Department conducted a conference call on Feb. 9 at 3 p.m. to update us on current information. Another conference call is schedule for today at 10 a.m. University and health officials will participate in this call. We will continue to provide updates as we receive more information.

- Dave Henry, Covering Health Officer