OSU reports no new norovirus cases over weekend
Heath department still waiting on test results for early cases to confirm norovirus infection
Emery Garcia
Issue date: 1/15/08 Section: News
Last week the suspected norovirus outbreak struck victims around OSU and eventually leapt to an assisted living facility in Corvallis.
Now Benton County health officials are hoping the virus may be contained.
The total of individuals suspected of carrying the virus reached 27 in Corvallis by last Friday, with the OSU Delta Gamma sorority and Phi Delta Theta fraternity being hit the hardest.
"The incubation period is an average of 30 hours, but [it ranges] anywhere from 12 to 48 hours," said Isline Marma of the Benton County Health Department.
"There were no new cases over the weekend, so we can hope now that it may be under control."
The Delta Gamma sorority and Phi Delta Theta fraternity took extra precaution in hopes of containment, disinfecting all common areas and canceling buffet-style dining.
The sick students in both Greek houses had to remain isolated for a period of 72 hours before they were allowed to return to their normal activities, as directed by the Benton County Health Department.
"The work that the Phi Delta Thetas and the Delta Gammas did to contain the virus was a great benefit to the whole community," said Robert Kerr, Greek Life coordinator at OSU.
Precautions were taken around campus as well, specifically at dining halls. Self-service options are temporarily canceled until the virus goes into submission.
In an outbreak at the Regency Park Place assisted living facility, 10 of about 40 elderly residents became ill last week. The sick residents were quickly isolated to their rooms.
The suspected cases of norovirus are still unconfirmed, but the Benton County Health Department has been urging students to take precautions to stop the spread of the virus.
"It may be another week before we receive information back from the lab, but we have suspected it is the norovirus," Marma said.
There is no cure for the virus, which can strike the same person multiple times and survive on surfaces for up to a week.
The most severe symptoms strike within the first 24 to 48 hours but leave the victim feeling worn out for almost a week.
"This virus is around often in our community," Marma said. "Students need to be aware of good hand washing policies, especially after using the restroom, or just after being in public."
Emery Garcia, news writer
news@dailybarometer.com, 737-2231
Now Benton County health officials are hoping the virus may be contained.
The total of individuals suspected of carrying the virus reached 27 in Corvallis by last Friday, with the OSU Delta Gamma sorority and Phi Delta Theta fraternity being hit the hardest.
"The incubation period is an average of 30 hours, but [it ranges] anywhere from 12 to 48 hours," said Isline Marma of the Benton County Health Department.
"There were no new cases over the weekend, so we can hope now that it may be under control."
The Delta Gamma sorority and Phi Delta Theta fraternity took extra precaution in hopes of containment, disinfecting all common areas and canceling buffet-style dining.
The sick students in both Greek houses had to remain isolated for a period of 72 hours before they were allowed to return to their normal activities, as directed by the Benton County Health Department.
"The work that the Phi Delta Thetas and the Delta Gammas did to contain the virus was a great benefit to the whole community," said Robert Kerr, Greek Life coordinator at OSU.
Precautions were taken around campus as well, specifically at dining halls. Self-service options are temporarily canceled until the virus goes into submission.
In an outbreak at the Regency Park Place assisted living facility, 10 of about 40 elderly residents became ill last week. The sick residents were quickly isolated to their rooms.
The suspected cases of norovirus are still unconfirmed, but the Benton County Health Department has been urging students to take precautions to stop the spread of the virus.
"It may be another week before we receive information back from the lab, but we have suspected it is the norovirus," Marma said.
There is no cure for the virus, which can strike the same person multiple times and survive on surfaces for up to a week.
The most severe symptoms strike within the first 24 to 48 hours but leave the victim feeling worn out for almost a week.
"This virus is around often in our community," Marma said. "Students need to be aware of good hand washing policies, especially after using the restroom, or just after being in public."
Emery Garcia, news writer
news@dailybarometer.com, 737-2231
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