An outbreak of norovirus-like symptoms is causing residents at the Southampton Street Shelter to seek medical treatment.
Boston Public Health Commission identified the cluster Wednesday after receiving reports from the shelter’s clinic of vomiting and diarrhea, according to BPH spokesman Rob Goldstein.
Goldstein said BPH is collecting and testing to samples from the shelter and special services will follow up to provide proper sanitation tools. Goldstein added that the shelter will remain open and is safe for anyone in need to visit.
“We don’t want people experiencing homelessness not going to the shelter,” said Goldstein.
Norovirus clusters pop up around the city every six months, according to Goldstein, and the virus usually clears up in about two days. The virus is typically caused by poor hygiene.
Sick shelter residents will receive medical care in the shelter’s clinic, however residents are not under quarantine. Goldstein said that the Southampton Street Shelter boasts good hygiene, but outbreaks are still very common.
The shelter will undergo an “intense cleaning.”
