George Mason University officials are concerned with the norovirus, a contagious gastrointestinal virus that has been reported in the Washington, D.C., metro area, though no cases have been reported at Mason.
Symptoms of the virus include vomiting, abdominal pains, fever and diarrhea. The virus is spread by coming into contact with an infected person or a surface that has come in contact with an infected person, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention norovirus factsheet.
According to an email sent to the Mason community by Sandy Scherrens, vice president of University Life, there have been no cases of the virus reported on campus, although members of the Mason community are encouraged to practice good hand-washing, to disinfect surfaces and to stay home if they feel ill. According to the CDC norovirus factsheet, the norovirus has a recovery time of one to two days and is best treated by drinking plenty of fluids. There is no known cure for the virus.
According to a Washington Times article published on Thursday, 85 students at nearby George Washington University in Washington, D.C., became sick with the virus over the past week.
“Due to the outbreaks at George Washington University, this is a reminder to take care of your health, to be pro-active, and if you think you have symptoms to see Student Health Services,” according to a statement released by Scherrens and University Life.
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