Q&A on Norovirus cases

Have there been many cases on Longwood’s campus?

As of Tuesday morning, there are a total of just five confirmed cases of norovirus on Longwood’s campus since last week, but we are remaining vigilant. Part of that is collecting the most information we can, which is why we are gathering reports from Resident Assistants, faculty and staff, Centra Southside Hospital, and reports received in Facilities and campus dispatch.

What about cases you can’t confirm?

We have received other reports of students and staff who are sick, as is common this time of year, but we don’t know for certain if they are norovirus–however we are taking every report seriously. There are fewer than ten of these cases.

What is the university doing to protect students and staff?

Since last week, when the virus hit nearby Hampden-Sydney College, we have ramped up cleaning efforts, focusing on common, high-usage areas and using stronger chemicals. Cleaning crews are on call and prepared to disinfect any area that may be affected. In addition, clorox wipes have been available at the front desks of all residence halls since Friday, Jan. 30.

How is the university coordinating its response?

The university is certainly taking the situation seriously and has taken several steps to prevent the spread of the virus on campus. A group of officials has been meeting daily to monitor both the number of incidents and our response. Our first goal is ensuring and maintaining the safety of the campus community.

What should students or staff do if they have symptoms?

Contact your RA and let them know you are sick, so that cleaning crews can respond. Try to rest and push fluids to prevent dehydration. If you are significantly dehydrated, seek medical attention.

What should students or staff do who don’t have symptoms?

The most important piece in stopping the spread of this virus is personal prevention: washing your hands vigorously and often is paramount. However, if you know of someone who is sick, please contact your RA or call the student health center.

University continues to monitor regional Norovirus cases

Over the weekend, four cases of students with gastrointestinal issues were reported to university officials. In each case, cleaning crews disinfected the reported area with bleach. The university is continuing to monitor the situation and cleaning crews are standing by. Students, faculty and staff who do not have symptoms of the virus should continue to practice good hygiene, including washing hands often (remember to always wash for 20 seconds).

Information on regional Norovirus cases

Several days ago, a norovirus appeared in the region and affected a large number of students at nearby Hampden-Sydney College. Longwood University is working closely with Centra Southside Hospital and other outside agencies to stay informed about the spread of this highly contagious virus, and so far we have seen only a handful of cases on campus.

Longwood has taken several steps to prevent the spread of the virus, including:

• Cleaning staff has been stepping up cleaning efforts, including using stronger chemicals to clean common areas, bathrooms, doorknobs, handrails and other surfaces that are in use by a large portion of the university community.
• Cleaning staff are on call to respond to incidents where bodily fluids may pose a risk to the campus community.
• Bleach wipes will be available by this evening at the front desks of residence hall buildings for use by students to clean their living spaces.
• University staff is communicating Centra Southside Hospital and other local agencies to stay informed about the virus to make the best decisions for the campus.

If you come in contact with bodily fluids on campus, please request housekeeping services immediately by calling 395-2310 or the Facilities Work Request number at 395-2373. If it is after 5 p.m., call the police dispatch number at 2091.

There are several preventative measures that all students, faculty and staff should take to help ward off this virus: Wash hands often for at least 20 seconds each time, stay hydrated, clean rooms and wash laundry. Using hand sanitizer that is at least 70% alcohol with help prevent the flu virus, but will not kill the norovirus.

If you come down with the virus, clean up all vomit or stool with a mixture of bleach and soapy water, push fluids by taking sips of water or sports drinks, and try to rest. A significant health risk associated with this virus is dehydration. Some of the most common signs of significant dehydration are dizziness, severe abdominal cramps and headache. If you experience no break between spells of vomiting and diarrhea, seek immediate medical attention.

Related Resources:

• Letter from Piedmont Health District Director to Longwood Community (pdf)
• Key Facts about Norovirus (pdf)
• Noroviru FAQ (pdf)
• Preventing and Disinfecting Norovirus (pdf)

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Robbery

There has been a robbery on South Street. Suspects were last seen in the vicinity of S. Virginia Street. Please practice caution and report any suspicious behavior to police at 434-395-2091. One suspect in custody. Additional suspects described by the victims as two black males, one wearing a black coat, white hoodie and was last seen wearing a camouflage mask. No further description on the 3rd suspect.

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