UC Berkeley Investigating Possible Outbreak Of Norovirus On Campus

BERKELEY (CBS SF) -- Health officials at the University of California at Berkeley are investigating a possible outbreak of norovirus at the campus in recent weeks, university officials said Tuesday.

So far the university's student health center has confirmed three cases of the virus out of 29 possible cases, student health services spokeswoman Kim LaPean said in a statement.

University doctors have not been able to tie the cases to any particular event, location or eating establishment, she said.

Norovirus is a common cause of viral gastroenteritis and there are frequently outbreaks during the winter months, though the virus can be spread all year.

Infections can be caused by eating contaminated food, contact with an infected person or by touching contaminated surfaces.

To stop the spread of the virus, university officials are asking students to frequently wash their hands, thoroughly clean surfaces and immediately remove potentially contaminated clothing.

Anyone who is sick has been asked to stay home, avoid contact with others and not to prepare food.

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Norovirus