Lafayette College’s director of health services is warning students about a contagious stomach virus and “significant influenza activity" on campus.
Director of Health Services Jeff Goldstein on Monday warned students at the Easton college to maintain high standards of hygiene and to stay home if they’re sick so they don’t spread germs.
“Although the volume of sick students is not as high as it has been with similar outbreaks in the past, we expect to see heightened activity of these viruses in the coming weeks,” he said in a message sent to students. “Please do your best to take proper precautions to limit the spread of these contagious viruses.”
Some classes and activities were canceled due to a norovirus outbreak about three years ago. More than 50 students were sickened over a three-day period in March 2016.
Norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Outbreaks are common.
Goldstein says the college has seen an increase in the number of students ill with fevers, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. He warned that the stomach virus is spread when infected people share food or touch surfaces without wiping them down. He recommends the use of bleach or germicidal wipes on counters, door knobs, computer keyboards and bathroom fixtures.
Sick students must wash hands frequently with soap and water or with hand sanitizer, although the CDC notes that hand sanitizers aren’t as effective as washing hands with soap and water at removing norovirus particles. The college is offering “buddy meals” so sick students don’t have to go to the cafeteria. They can send a “flu buddy” to retrieve the carry-out meals for them.
Goldstein said sick students shouldn’t prepare food for three days after recovery. They can remain contagious during that period even if they are symptom-free, he warns.
Lafayette College Vice President for Communications and Marketing Mark Eyerly said he would provide information later Tuesday on the number of students infected with the flu or the stomach virus.
Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @RudyMillerLV. Find Easton area news on Facebook.