Norovirus Information for Faculty and Staff

UW–Madison Faculty and Staff,

You may have heard that a number of UW–Madison students have gotten sick this week with symptoms of gastroenteritis. This is a very unpleasant disease, characterized by vomiting and diarrhea, but most people recover from it by themselves within 24 to 48 hours.

University Health Services (UHS)believes that these particular cases may have been caused by a norovirus. Because this virus can be easily transmitted when people are in close contact, the campus has been taking prompt and aggressive steps to keep it from spreading to large numbers of people.

In your role on campus, you may encounter students who report that they are sick, or who are exhibiting symptoms. To limit the spread of disease, it is important that students should not be attending class, working— particularly in food service job—or attending other large group gatherings until they return to health.

If you are a faculty member or instructor, you are asked to be flexible in allowing extensions or accommodations for missed class or coursework. Students are being asked to contact you directly to make these arrangements. Neither the Offices of the Dean of Students nor UHS are providing written medical excuses related to these illnesses.

Below are some important tips from UHS on how to help contain the spread of norovirus and how to decrease your own risk of exposure.

Students who have additional questions or who need medical care should call UHS at 608-265-5600.

If you have questions or need assistance to accommodate students who have been ill, please call ODOS at 608-263-5700 and ask for a dean on call.

Sincerely,
Lori M. Berquam
Dean of Students

Norovirus Information

  • Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water—especially every time after you use the bathroom and before preparing or eating food. (Alcohol-based hand sanitizer is good to use when soap and water aren't available, but soap and water are preferred.) Dry them completely.
  • When you apply an alcohol-based gel hand sanitizer, rub it all over both hands and wrists.
  • Get in the habit of washing your hands several times a day, such as when you come home and take off your coat.
  • Avoid putting your hands in or near your mouth.

See University Health Services: Gastroenteritis for more information on symptoms of gastroenteritis and its treatment.

You will find additional information about on the UHS web site, click “Norovirus Information” .