Skip to Content, Navigation, or Footer.
We inform. You decide.
Friday, March 29, 2024

New strain of stomach virus spreading across the city

A new strain of the norovirus stomach bug may have buzzed its way to Gainesville.

Although no laboratory testing has confirmed the virus in the city, an outbreak at the Atrium at Gainesville Independent Senior Living Community last week led officials from the Alachua County Health Department to believe it’s the norovirus, according to published reports.

The virus usually causes nausea, vomiting and diarrhea for between about 24 to 48 hours, but symptoms could last up to a week, said Nadia Kovacevich, an epidemiologist at the Alachua County Health Department. The virus is also highly contagious and easily spread through contaminated feces or vomit, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Kovacevich said residents who may have the virus need to wash their hands and surfaces they touch.

“You pick up the virus from a door handle or contaminated surface. You ingest it, and it’ll go straight through your system,” she said.

Catherine Seemann, marketing coordinator for the UF Student Health Care Center, couldn’t confirm Thursday if the SHCC has seen any cases similar to the virus at the retirement home.

She said if students are feeling sick, they need to stay hydrated, get plenty of rest and stay away from caffeine and alcohol.

“We always let students know if you ever feel that something is not right, please call us, and come in,” she said.

Support your local paper
Donate Today
The Independent Florida Alligator has been independent of the university since 1971, your donation today could help #SaveStudentNewsrooms. Please consider giving today.

Powered by SNworks Solutions by The State News
All Content © 2024 The Independent Florida Alligator and Campus Communications, Inc.