 |
|
|
The number of students experiencing vomiting, stomach cramps
and diarrhea at University
of Southern California rose
to about 130, making the university officials take serious measures in order to
prevent more infections.
All the students have been hospitalized with the same
symptoms, all indicating it could be a norovirus, university spokesman James
Grant said, but initial findings won’t be confirmed until test results are
returned from county health department in two or three weeks.
Meanwhile, the campus cafeteria was closed; students were
urged to wash their hands in order to prevent the spread of the virus (in this
sense, the school has ordered 3,000 bottles of hand sanitizers and 2,000
containers of sanitizing wipes to distribute on Monday, when classes will
resume as regularly scheduled). Moreover, students who are already sick should
stay at home, take plenty of liquids and not socialize until they are feeling
better,” Health Center director Dr. Lawrence Neinstein
said.
In this sense, early Saturday, students were strongly advised
to avoid the USC Trojans and Oregon
football game at the Coliseum.
Generally, the illness’s incubation period is of 1- to 2 days.
However, it “may be as short as 12 hours.” However, the notification said the
suspected virus, which is self-limiting, can be contagious for more than a few
days after an individual gets well. Therefore, washing hands after eating, preparing
food, and going to the restroom is imperious. Sharing foods and beverages is
out of question these days, campus officials added.
© 2007 - 2009 - eFluxMedia