Important Health Measures for Our Campus Community
Dear members of the Northwestern community,
Health officials on campus and in Evanston have received reports of community members experiencing symptoms such as stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting — common signs of norovirus or food-borne illness. To help limit the spread, we urge all members of our campus community to practice regular handwashing, stay home when feeling unwell and follow guidance from medical professionals. By taking these precautions, we can work together to maintain a healthier environment for everyone.
Recognizing symptoms and preventing the spread
- Common symptoms of norovirus include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain. Additional symptoms may include fever, headache and body aches.
- Symptoms generally resolve in one to three days, but people may continue to spread the virus even after their symptoms have resolved.
- Norovirus is transmitted through direct contact with an infected individual, eating contaminated food or touching contaminated surfaces.
Norovirus is generally a self-limited illness that will run its course in healthy individuals within one to three days. The major focus is on staying well-hydrated to prevent dehydration and managing symptoms as best you can. Oral rehydration fluids (e.g. Pedialyte, Liquid IV, etc.) that you can get over the counter are most helpful for preventing dehydration. If you cannot keep fluids down, an appointment with a healthcare professional could be necessary.
Eligible students who are experiencing norovirus symptoms can make an in-person or telehealth appointment at Northwestern Medicine Student Health Service through MyNM or by calling (847) 491-8100 and review procedures for academic work missed for medical reasons. Eligible students can also reach nurses outside of business hours to talk through symptoms and get advice. Non-eligible students, faculty and staff who are experiencing symptoms should contact their health providers.
Norovirus is highly contagious. It is essential to minimize contact with others while experiencing symptoms and for at least 24 hours after symptoms subside.
To further safeguard the health of our community, the University is taking preventive measures, including limiting self-service options and touchpoints in dining halls. Advanced cleaning protocols also are in place in areas including residence halls, dining facilities and communal spaces. Such measures include increased sanitation of high-touch surfaces such as door handles, railings, faucet handles, toilet flushers, elevator buttons and water fountains. The University will implement additional targeted measures in locations with a significant number of cases.
The most effective way to protect yourself from viruses like norovirus is to properly, and regularly, wash your hands. Scrub with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating or handling food, after using the restroom and before administering medications. It is important to note that while hand sanitizer can be a beneficial addition to your hand hygiene routine, it should be used after soap and water and is not sufficient to kill norovirus on its own.
For additional information and resources, please visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website on norovirus.