Update: UNC confirms cases of norovirus, sorority rush week postponed

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on Monday confirmed three cases of norovirus in students.

University officials said Thursday that campus health was treating a number of students for symptoms resembling norovirus. On Friday, the university confirmed one case of the virus in a student belonging to a sorority. Campus Health reported that “30 or so” other students also displayed symptoms of the virus.

Norovirus is a contagious virus that causes your stomach or intestines to become inflamed and can lead to stomach pain, nausea and vomiting. It can be spread through a person, contaminated food or drink, or contaminated surfaces, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The first few days of the Greek system’s sorority rush week were postponed by the university’s Panhellenic Council as a precaution because of an outbreak of illness among a “significant section of the Greek community,” according to an email sent to students on Thursday. It was unclear Monday when rush week activities would resume.

Students with questions can contact Campus Health Services at 919-966-6573.

An increased number of students are reporting nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, according to Campus Health.

Students are asked to wash their hands frequently with soap and warm water and to stay home if they feel sick, according to the university.

▪ Washing your hands frequently with soap and warm running water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the toilet and before eating or preparing food.

▪ Alcohol-based sanitizers may not always be effective.

If you are sick or are around others who are sick:

▪ Do not go to work or school and stay at home.

▪ Wash and rinse fruits and vegetables carefully before consuming them.

▪ If you are sick, do not prepare food or care for others.

▪ Thoroughly clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces immediately after an episode of illness. First, spray the area with a bleach-based disinfectant or diluted household bleach; then clean with the disinfectant wearing disposable gloves. Diluted bleach should be mixed with 1:10 water and mixed daily.

▪ Cleanup waste should be placed in a plastic bag, which should be tied and placed in the trash receptacle.

▪ Immediately remove and wash clothing or linens in hot water and detergent. They may be contaminated after an episode of illness.

▪ Flush or discard any vomit and/or stool in the toilet and make sure that the surrounding area is kept clean and disinfected.

▪ If you are ill, prevent dehydration by frequently sipping a non-alcoholic beverage.

For more information about gastroenteritis: campushealth.unc.edu/health-topics/medical-conditions/gastroenteritis-nausea-vomiting-diarrhea

This story was originally published September 4, 2017 at 9:59 AM with the headline "Update: UNC confirms cases of norovirus, sorority rush week postponed."