36 Sickened with Vomiting and Diarrhea at UNC Summer Camp

GREELEY, CO – Thirty-six people became sickened with vomiting and diarrhea over the past few days while attending a summer enrichment camp at the University of Northern Colorado Greeley, the Weld County Health Department said in a press release.

Norovirus (once known as the stomach flu) is thought to be the cause, although test results from the state lab will take about a week to confirm.

"University officials quickly isolated the sick campers and staff and began immediate disinfection of the dining hall and resident areas housing the campers," the Weld County Health Department said. The camp was suspended and the public is not deemed to be at risk.

Those who fell ill were 32 children, ages 10-17, and four adults.

“The University has been very proactive in addressing this illness,” said Mark Wallace, the health department's executive director.

Norovirus is a highly contagious bug that can make anyone sick. It’s the leading cause of outbreaks of diarrhea and vomiting in the United States.

Contact with an infected person, causes the disease, or by touching a contaminated surface, or eating contaminated food or water. The most common symptoms are diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach pain. Other symptoms include fever, headache, and body aches.

You can get norovirus anywhere from 12-48 hours after exposure. There are no medications to prevent or cure it.

But a norovirus sufferer can become dehydrated. “If you or a family member becomes too dehydrated, seek medical help,” said Wallace.

To prevent the spread of norovirus, the Health Department recommends the following:

• Wash hands carefully with warm soapy water, especially after using the toilet, before eating, and preparing food. “It’s important to realize many disinfectant products, including hand sanitizers, are not effective at killing norovirus,” said Wallace. “Wash frequently and vigorously with warm soapy water works best.”
• Do not prepare food or care for others if you are sick. Anyone preparing food for others should wait at least 2 to 3 days after recovering.
• Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces. After vomiting or having diarrhea, immediately clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces. Use a chlorine bleach solution of 1/3 cup chlorine per 1 gallon of water.
• Wash laundry thoroughly. Immediately remove and wash clothes or linens that may be contaminated with vomit or feces. Wear rubber or disposable gloves while handling soiled items and wash items in hot water with detergent and bleach at the maximum available cycle length, then machine dry in a hot dryer.

Image via Shutterstock

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