FARMVILLE, Va. — The norovirus situation at Longwood University “appears to be fairly stable,” a university spokesman announced Thursday.
As of 11 a.m. today we had reports of about 16 new cases of norovirus-like illness over the past 24 hours – about the same rate as the past few days. As the symptoms tend to last 24-48 hours, students are also getting well, so the overall prevalence on campus is fairly stable at the moment.
The university urged stick students and staff members to stay away until their symptoms subside.
“If you have symptoms of norovirus, please do not attend classes or report for work. If you are student, as always, work with faculty members to coordinate making up work,” the university spokesman said. “There is no reason for well students to stay home. Those who believe they have had norovirus should stay home for two full days after their symptoms disappear.”
The most common norovirus symptoms include:
- diarrhea
- throwing up
- nausea
- stomach pain
Other symptoms include:
- fever
- headache
- body aches
Virginia Department of Health official David Martin said norovirus was “very common” for the Farmville-area during this time of year.
“We have seen cases across the region, and the numbers we have tracked at Longwood are not unusual,” Martin said.
Martin said the best thing you can do to protect yourself is wash your hands and practice good hygiene.
