Norovirus Illnesses at Rider University Top 180

Editor’s Note: The following updated information about the norovirus outbreak at Rider University was posted on the university’s website on Feb. 17. Prior information about norovirus at Rider can be found by clicking here and here.

As reported in the The Rider News today, Feb. 17, there have been a cumulative total of 186 reported cases of norovirus among students on the Lawrence Township campus since the outbreak began last week.  This includes students who were either treated by or reported their illness to Student Health Services as well as student-athletes whose illness had been reported to our athletic training office. We recently compiled and cross-referenced both sets of information in arriving at this number. 

Since our last communication to the Rider community on Wednesday, Feb. 15, there have been seven cases on the Lawrence Township campus and three suspected cases at Westminster.  These are the only three at Westminster that have been reported since the outbreak began.  None of these additional 10 cases were transported to the hospital and there have been no reported cases last night. 

We also recently learned through initial news reports that 85 cases of norovirus have been reported at George Washington University and seven at The College of New Jersey.  Today, Inside Higher Ed covered these and other outbreaks at institutions across the country – some of which are current and others of which were reported in previous years.

Norovirus Outbreaks State-Wide

Public health officials, with whom we are working closely, continue to support Rider’s decision to hold classes and events as scheduled, and continue to affirm that we are taking prudent and appropriate measures to treat and help prevent the spread of illness. 

Please be aware, that based on the numerous norovirus outbreaks throughout New Jersey and the country, public health officials have informed us that our outbreak may take several weeks to wane and that the numbers of cases will fluctuate from week to week. They also reiterated that a definitive cause for the norovirus outbreak may not ultimately be determined because of these state-wide and other outbreaks and the fact that the virus can be transmitted in multiple ways.

Helping to Prevent the Spread of Norovirus

We cannot stress enough how important it is that we all take the necessary precautions to help prevent the spread of the virus.  These are in addition to the cleaning and other protocols we are following at the institution level.  Aramark, our food service, and UNICCO, our custodial service, are working closely with us in that regard including cleaning public areas, residence hall bathrooms and other common use areas on both campuses.

Students who have experienced acute symptoms of the illness are encouraged, where possible, to return home to recuperate after first being treated by Student Health Services.  Employees who are ill are encouraged to stay home and report their illness to Human Resources as we assist public health officials to monitor this outbreak state-wide.

Students and employees who are recuperating from norovirus are encouraged to remain home until they are symptom-free for the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) recommended 72 hours (three days).  In cases where students live too far away and must remain on campus, we ask that they minimize close contact as best they can and follow the good hygiene practices below.

Everyone on both campuses is urged to continue practicing good hygiene to prevent the spread of this illness. This includes washing hands carefully with soap and water for at least 30 seconds, especially after using the toilet and always before eating or preparing food.  If soap and water aren't available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.  Alcohol-based products can quickly reduce the number of germs on hands in some situations, but they are not a substitute for washing with soap and water to deal with the virus involved.  Also, do not share drinks, food or eating utensils or cups. 

Future Updates

As we move into this stage of the outbreak, we will only issue RiderAlerts as warranted by significant changes. In the meantime, we will continue timely updates to our Web site and encourage the community to review it regularly, including the frequently asked questions and answers below.

In addition to the update above, please refer to the information below which we previously posted and remains relevant.

What is a norovirus?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), norovirus is the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and intestines) in the U.S.  It is a highly contagious illness caused by infection with a virus. The CDC estimates that more than 21 million cases of acute gastroenteritis each year are due to norovirus infection.  That means about one in every 15 Americans will get norovirus illness each year.

Symptoms of a norovirus infection usually include diarrhea, throwing up, nausea, and stomach cramping.  Other, less common symptoms may include low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and general sense of fatigue.  Norovirus illness is usually not serious.  Most people get better in 1 to 2 days. People with norovirus illness are contagious from the moment they begin feeling sick until at least 3 days after they recover.  For further information, contact the CDC at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/revb/gastro/norovirus.htm

The virus is found in the vomit and stool of infected people. You can get it by:

• Eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus (someone gets stool or vomit on their hands, then touches food or drink).
• Touching surfaces or objects contaminated with norovirus and then putting your hand or fingers in your mouth.
• Having direct contact with a person who is infected with norovirus (for example, when caring for someone with norovirus or sharing foods or eating utensils with them).

Are classes still in session?  Will events and other activities be held?

Public health officials, with whom we are working closely, continue to support Rider’s decision to hold classes and events as scheduled, and continue to affirm that we are taking prudent and appropriate measures to treat and help prevent the spread of illness.  Princeton University, with whom we are coordinating information, has been doing the same – continuing classes, athletic and other public events throughout their similar outbreak. 

What should I do if I start experiencing symptoms?

Commuter students should contact their personal healthcare provider and recuperate at home.

Resident students experiencing acute symptoms should first contact the Student Health Center and, where possible, return home to recuperate after first being treated.

      Student Health Center 

• Weekdays to 4:30 p.m.:  Go to the Student Health Center on either campus, call the Center at ext. 5060 or 609-896-5060 (both campuses), or call Public Safety at ext. 5029 or 609-896-5029 (both campuses).
• Weeknights: Go to the Student Health Center on either campus or call Public Safety at ext. 5029 or 609-896-5029.
• Weekends: Go to the Student Health Center on either campus or call Public Safety at ext. 5029 or 609-896-5029.

Employees should stay home if they are ill and are encouraged to report their illness in confidence to Human Resources at ext. 5140 or 609-896-5140 so that we can assist public health officials to monitor the outbreak state-wide.

Students and employees who are recuperating from norovirus are encouraged to remain home until they are symptom-free for the CDC recommended 72 hours (3 days).  In cases where students live too far away and must remain on campus, we ask that they minimize close contact as best they can and follow the good hygiene practices recommended by the CDC.  

What if I’m a student and have to miss classes?

Students who have experienced acute symptoms of this illness are encouraged where possible to return home to recuperate after first being treated by Student Health Services.  As is the case with any illness related absence, students are responsible for notifying professors in order to arrange for completion of academic requirements.  We also recommend that students contact the Dean of Students office at (609) 896-5101 so that we can update your professors as necessary. 

Who do I call if I have questions or concerns regarding this illness?

Students are encouraged to call the Dean of Students offices on both campuses as follows during normal operating hours:

            Lawrence Township campus:            609-896-5101

            Princeton campus:                   609-921-7100 ext. 8263

Employees are encouraged to call Human Resources at 609-896-5140. 

How do we prevent the spread of the norovirus?

Wash your hands carefully with soap and water for at least 30 seconds, especially after using the toilet and always before eating or preparing food. If soap and water aren't available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Alcohol-based products can quickly reduce the number of germs on hands in some situations, but they are not a substitute for washing with soap and water.  Also, do not share drinks, food or eating utensils or cups. 

Has the cause of the virus been determined?

Based on the numerous norovirus outbreaks throughout New Jersey and across the country, public health officials have informed us that our outbreak may take several weeks to wane and that the numbers of cases will fluctuate from week to week. They also reiterated that a definitive cause for the norovirus outbreak may not ultimately be determined because of these state-wide and other outbreaks and the fact that the virus can be transmitted in multiple ways.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), norovirus is the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and intestines) in the U.S.  It is a highly contagious illness caused by infection with a virus. The CDC estimates that more than 21 million cases of acute gastroenteritis each year are due to norovirus infection.  That means about one in every 15 Americans will get norovirus illness each year.

When will this outbreak end?

Based on experiences elsewhere, public health officials have informed us that this outbreak may take several weeks to wane and that the numbers of cases will fluctuate from week to week.

What are the current conditions of students who have been ill?  How many students have been hospitalized?

Students are recovering as expected. We are aware of only one student who was admitted to the hospital.  All others were treated and returned to campus within hours.  According to the CDC, norovirus illness is usually not serious and most people get better in one to two days. 

Besides students, have any University employees shown symptoms?

To the best of our knowledge, a total of 13 faculty and staff have reported the illness since the outbreak began.