136 Students See Stamps Health Services as Norovirus Spreads Across Georgia Tech After Fall Break

Stamps Health Services Advisory Update: Stamps Health Services, working with the Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness and the Georgia Department of Health, has identified the gastrointestinal illness currently spreading on campus as norovirus. Norovirus was confirmed in samples by both Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness and Emory University on October 25th. Between October 11th and October 24th, Stamps Health Services saw 136 patients with symptoms of the illness. As of October 20th, 226 people completed the survey regarding the illness and 194 people reported having had symptoms of a norovirus infection. It is unknown how this easily spread virus came to the Georgia Tech campus. We know it began to spread after students returned from fall break, but no common food source, activity, or dining or residence location has been identified as the origin. If you are experiencing symptoms, please stay home and away from others until you have been symptom-free for at least 48 hours.

Norovirus: What You Need to Know. Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that spreads from person to person and can live on surfaces for days. The most important thing you can do is wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially after using the restroom and before eating. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are not effective against norovirus. If you are sick, please stay home and do not return to class or common areas until you have been symptom-free for at least 48 hours. Dining Services has enhanced cleaning and disinfection at all locations. If you need medical attention, contact Stamps Health Services.