College campuses at risk for norovirus

ATLANTA, Oct. 8 (UPI) -- Three norovirus outbreaks on college campuses in California, Michigan and Wisconsin were investigated, federal health officials said.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Mortality and Morbidity Weekly Report released Thursday said noroviruses, the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis outbreaks worldwide, affect people of all ages and occur in a wide variety of settings, but college campuses are at particularly high risk for norovirus outbreak.

The public health investigators studied the outbreaks to characterize the extent of the outbreaks and implement appropriate control measures.

"The outbreaks collectively resulted in about 1,000 cases of reported illness, including at least 10 hospitalizations and prompted closure of one campus," the report said.

"Given the potential for widespread infection and rapid transmission created by numerous shared exposures and living areas, college campuses are at particularly high risk for norovirus outbreaks; thus, colleges should promote appropriate infection-control practices, including hand hygiene, environmental disinfection, and social distancing for people who are ill."