RICHMOND, Va. --Virginia Union University is the latest school to announce a Norovirus case on campus. On Friday school officials said that so far just one student has tested positive for the norovirus. This student is now resting at home with parents, the university said. Crews are sanitizing residence halls and common areas. Officials urged any students exhibiting gastrointestinal discomfort to remain in their rooms temporarily.
The university said, "we are having their meals delivered." The university is not closing and no entire buildings are quarantined. At this point, only one student is confirmed with norovirus and that person has left the campus, the school said.
Last week Norovirus struck hard at Hampden Sydney college, and classes were cancelled temporarily. Then students at Longwood University fell ill as well, with up to at least 40 cases of Norovirus confirmed.
Most recently though, Longwood officials said there have only been five new cases within 24 hours, indicative that the outbreak is almost done with its infectious cycle.
Students at VUU told CBS 6 reporter Melissa Hipolit they are disgusted by the stomach virus.
“We’re already in the bathroom more with the caf, so I don’t want to be in the bathroom anymore, that’s like half my day already,” Deshaun Myricks, a VUU student, said.
Junior Emmanuel Nelfrard said he is taking care of two of the students who are sick, including his roommate and someone on the women’s basketball team.
“They can’t really move, can’t sleep, can’t eat,” Nelfrard said.
VUU postponed its women’s basketball game scheduled for Saturday, and while the athletic department did not return our calls and emails to find out why, a female basketball player told us it is because three players and a team manager are sick.
“I just hope the people who are sick get well soon,” Nelfrard said.
Students are being asked to wash their hand frequently, disinfect all surfaces, and wash all bedding and clothing.
“I sanitized my hands, my friends doornob,” Myricks said.
“I disinfect my room on the regular,” Cory Dixon, a VUU freshman, said.
