News
Illness on Campus
Norovirus illness at DU — Stats
Number of ill students seen at the Health and Counseling Center or Porter Adventist Hospital
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Norovirus update
Friday afternoon, April 25, 2008
This week the number of cases has diminished and remained fairly stable at 3 to 4 over the last 3 days. Denver Public Health is still investigating but has not yet drawn any conclusions on the origin of the illness. We will post another update when there is any news from DPH or if there is any change in the number of ill students.
Any student who is experiencing vomiting or diarrhea should notify the DU Health and Counseling Center at (303)871-2205
Norovirus update
Wednesday morning, April 23, 2008
Only 3 students presented to the Health and Counseling Center with presumed Norovirus gastroenteritis yesterday. We are encouraging students to complete the on line survey sent to them by Denver Public Health. This will help DPH staff in their efforts to determine the origin of the illness.
Any student who is experiencing vomiting or diarrhea should notify the DU Health and Counseling Center at (303)871-2205
Norovirus Update
Tuesday morning, April 22, 2008
In the last 24 hours there were 10 additional students who were seen for vomiting and/or diarrhea consistant with Norovirus. This is within the range we expected to see at this time; this probably does not represent a significant resurgence in the illness. The number of ill students is still significantly lower than it was one week ago.
Any student who is experiencing vomiting or diarrhea should notify the DU Health and Counseling Center at (303)871-2205
Norovirus Update
Monday morning, April 21st
The number of students who called the Health and Counseling Center and were found to have symptoms consistent with Norovirus gastroenteritis fell significantly over the weekend. One student was seen on Saturday, and two on Sunday. We are hoping that this indicates a continuing decline in the illness, but carefully hand washing is still going to be of paramount importance to prevent a resurgence.
Any student who is experiencing vomiting or diarrhea should notify the DU Health and Counseling Center at (303)871-2205
Norovirus Update
April 18, 2008; 5:30pm
As expected, the Norovirus is continuing to cause illness among DU students, as well as a smaller number of faculty and staff. The number of those affected continues to decline, however. Denver Public Health has told us to expect some waxing and waning in the number of ill individuals over the next two weeks or so, which is the normal course of events in this type of situation. We are continuing to stress hand washing, and this message seems to be getting across to those who work and study on campus. All campus activities are proceeding in normal fashion; no events have been cancelled.
Unless there is some significant change in the situation, the next update will be posted on 04-21-08.
Any student who is experiencing vomiting or diarrhea should notify the DU Health and Counseling Center at (303)871-2205
April 17, 2008; 5pm
We are aware of 14 DU students who have seen a health care provider for gastrointestinal illness over the past 24 hours. While still a significant concern, this does represent a considerable decline over the past 3 days.
In an effort to reduce the spread of Norovirus on the DU campus, Health and Counseling Center staff has prepared informational flyers which have been posted on doors, in hallways, and in restrooms throughout campus. The flyers explain how the illness is spread and how it is prevented, stressing the importance of hand washing. We have also stationed Health Promotions staff members with information on prevention of Norovirus spread at the entrances to the dining halls at meal times. Denver Public Health (DPH) officials are still investigating the origin of the Norovirus on our campus, although that is still not known. Deep cleaning and sanitizing of common areas in residence halls has been underway for the past two days, although hand washing remains the most important preventative measure, since Norovirus is spread through hand-to-mouth direct contact. DPH continues to assure us that it is safe for students to reside and dine in all the buildings on campus.
Any student who is experiencing vomiting or diarrhea should notify the DU Health and Counseling Center at (303)871-2205
April 16, 2008; 2pm
It has been confirmed by the Denver Public Health Department that the illness on campus is due to the norovirus. Norovirus has been confirmed in stool specimens from DU students. What you should know:
- Noroviruses are a group of viruses that cause the "stomach flu" or gastroenteritis.
- This virus is spread by direct contact with contaminated surfaces, people, food or other objects. The virus is then transferred to the mouth from unwashed hands or contaminated food.
- Denver Public Health is investigating the spread of this illness and has assured the University administration that it is safe for students and employees to live, work, and eat at DU.
- Hand washing is the number one way to reduce the spread of the virus, especially washing hands thoroughly after using the bathroom and before eating.
- The illness usually lasts for 1 to 2 days, but people are contagious for at least 3 days after recovery.
- As of Wednesday, April 16, 2008, there were 63 documented cases of gastroenteritis among DU students. A few students were temporarily hospitalized for treatment of dehydration. No further complications have been reported.
For more information, please review the
CDC's Norovirus Q & A sheet.
Any student who is experiencing vomiting or diarrhea should notify the DU Health and Counseling Center at (303)871-2205
April 15, 2008; 5pm
Since late Sunday night, April 13th, there has been an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness on the DU campus. The illness is manifested by vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and Denver Public Health (DPH) were notified on Monday morning, and DPH promptly started an investigation.
A large majority of the affected students live in Centennial Halls, so the investigation initially focused on that hall's dining facility. The health inspection yesterday found no evidence of improper food processing or handling, and no illness was discovered among the personnel who work in the dining hall. At this point, DPH officials tell us that they feel it is safe to live and eat in any of the residence halls on campus, including Centennial Halls.
As of this evening, 53 students have been seen for treatment either at the DU Health and Counseling Center or Porter Adventist Hospital. Some have required intravenous hydration, others have been treated with anti-nausea medication. Most students are reporting that their symptoms resolve within about 24 hours, although there is some variation in the time frame.
The origin and cause of the illness are as yet undetermined, although we expect to have some results from pending laboratory tests within the next two days. As we get new information, we will update this site. Regardless of the cause, the proper approach now is to encourage thorough hand washing, especially before meals.
Any student who is experiencing vomiting or diarrhea should notify the DU Health and Counseling Center at (303)871-2205.
Sam E. Alexander, M.D.
Executive Director, Health and Counseling Center
University of Denver
Any student who is experiencing vomiting or diarrhea should notify the DU Health and Counseling Center at (303)871-2205
