Connecticut university closes campus over norovirus outbreak

Danbury-based Western Connecticut State University shut down its campus April 23 after 100 students were sickened with norovirus, according to the NewsTimes.

Advertisement

Dozens of students suddenly fell ill April 20, complaining of symptoms including vomiting and diarrhea. Fourteen students were admitted to Danbury Hospital and five tested positive for norovirus, which is a highly contagious illness that can lead to severe dehydration.

University officials canceled classes and closed the campus April 23 as a precaution while state and county health departments found the source of the outbreak.

Since norovirus is not spread through the air, the university reopened April 24 because officials said they could safety hold classes if students wash their hands and sick students stay home for 72 hours after their symptoms have subsided.

WCSU staff spent the weekend cleaning in the cafeteria and common areas to help stop the spread of the illness.

More articles on healthcare quality: 
36% of hospital readmissions likely do not reflect poor surgical quality
Full-time Banner Health nurse takes second in Boston Marathon: 6 things to know 
Texas hospital staff find fetus in dirty linen cart

At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.

Register to Attend Webinar

When nurses help build the AI, adoption follows: Lessons from 3 health systems

Tuesday, July 28
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT

Presenters: Amy McCarthy, DNP, RNC-MNN, NE-BC, CENP, Hippocratic AIBeth Reimschissel, PhD, RN, CNL, Memorial HermannAllison Schlinkert, MSN, RN, NPD-BC, Cincinnati Children'sScott Estep, MBOE, BSN, RN, CSSBB, OhioHealth System

Advertisement

Next Up in Clinical Leadership & Infection Control

Advertisement

Comments are closed.