Since March 30, approximately 50 to 60 students have been infected with a virus producing stomach flu-like symptoms at Oregon State University in Corvallis, according to a university alert. Norovirus laboratory test results should be available next week.
In hopes of minimizing the spread of the virus, custodial services at the school have increased cleaning procedures in areas around campus, including the residence halls and dining centers.
"The health and safety of our students, faculty and staff are our top priority. We continue to closely monitor the situation and are meeting regularly with Benton County Health Department and campus stakeholders," wrote Jenny Haubenreiser, executive director of OSU's Student Health Services, and Jeff Mull, MD, medical director of OSU's SHS.
The Benton County Health Department has been working with university officials since Wednesday of last week. Currently, health officials have not linked the outbreak to a specific location or food source. Individual transmission routes like hand-to-hand contact are likely responsible for the spread of the virus.
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