Keene State’s plumbing could end up being put to the test, with reports of an uptick in norovirus cases throughout the northeast.
An email sent to students from Barbara Berthiaume, Director of The Wellness Center & Chief Medical Officer, on Thursday, Feb. 29 stated, “The KSC community has been seeing an uptick in illness lately including the common cold, influenza, COVID-19, and gastrointestinal symptoms.” The statement continues, “Regionally there has been an uptick in norovirus cases, and we are starting to see a similar trend on campus.”
Student Health Service Nurse for The Wellness Center, Christine Kruse, said the norovirus is a very contagious viral illness and commonly known as “the stomach bug.”
“It takes very few organisms of the norovirus to cause illness,” Kruse said.
The virus is easily spread from either fecal matter, vomit, not washing food properly or simply coming into contact with someone who has the illness.
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), updated as of Feb. 17, 16% of all virus tests have returned positive.
Other regions are currently sitting between 9 and 13 percent.
However, Jeanelle Boyer, professor of health sciences, said to take the data with a grain of salt because norovirus is not always tested for. She explained this could inflate the percentage because of the infrequent testing.
“Norovirus is pretty common and in most people, it isn’t going to be severe or life-threatening … most people probably don’t need medical attention,” Boyer said.
She noted it is not unusual for the virus to become more prominent around this time of the year.
Boyer said she was not entirely sure why the virus tends to spike around this point of the year, but more people staying inside could be a factor.
To be protected from it, Boyer said, “This is one where handwashing is actually incredibly important and slowing the spread … Norovirus is super contagious.”
Additionally, Kruse said hand sanitizer is less effective in combating norovirus.
“The virus has sort of like this hard kind of protein shell that’s somewhat resistant to hand sanitizer,” Kruse said.
When someone does contract the norovirus, the best thing to do is to stay hydrated to replace lost fluids. She also said avoiding dehydrating beverages like caffeine and alcohol is key.
Kruse noted it, someone can be contagious with the virus even after symptoms stop. She recommends people limit contact and not care for others for at least 48 hours after having it.
Tim Bruns can be contacted at
tbruns@kscequinox.com
