The Tripod

Media Credit: Erin Caner

An epidemic has arrived at Trinity College to the detriment of at least 60 of its students and presumably many more. It comes in the form of Gastroenteritis, better known as "stomach flu." "The thought is that this stomach virus has likely been one of the Norovirus strains," said Lynda Tagliavini, a nurse practitioner at the Health Center. The virus has no vaccine or effective antiviral drug.

Martha Burke, a nurse practitioner and director of the Center, reported that the first case of the virus appeared at the Health Center on Jan. 29. Jan. 30 saw a substantial rise in case numbers. As of Feb. 8, the Health Center has seen "at least a few new cases daily," said Burke. Although the virus typically spreads during the winter, the Center has seen many more cases than usual. And, because the virus comes and goes so quickly, usually in a matter of one or two days, "many students are getting through this without even notifying us," Burke commented. For this reason the number of cases may be substantially higher than the reported 60. Trinity College is not alone in this outbreak. "The virus is prevalent everywhere in the Northeast right now; it's hard to pinpoint the origin of the spread," Burke said.

It is extremely difficult to eradicate the virus. According to "'Stomach Flu' Rips through Nation," a USA Today article recommended by the Health Center for information on the virus, "It can linger for days on surfaces such as […] keyboards, telephones, and doorknobs, and both vomit and stool are highly infectious."

Norovirus is also extremely contagious, which accounts for such a quick spread in the college community. "Students should avoid other people while they are actively vomiting and / or having diarrhea," said Tagliavini. Students are advised to stay in bed for the duration of the illness according to a pamphlet Burke distributed to Resident Assistants. On school days, though, the Center does not have a final say in this matter. Burke commented, "Whether the faculty excuses an absence is up to the faculty person. The student handbook is clear about this. I did e-mail all faculty of the virus and told them it is suggested that the infirmed stay out of general circulation for two days. That is both for their own recovery and […] to limit spreading it."

Even though the virus is contagious, it is preventable. "Ways to prevent the virus are good health practices: washing your hands before eating, after being in public places like restrooms, dorm bathrooms, etc., and not sharing drinks or food as the virus is passed through oral means," said Tagliavini.

Although most medical professionals consider the virus mild, it is accompanied by many uncomfortable side effects. Its symptoms are "stomach cramping, nausea, violent and repeated vomiting, diarrhea, and fatigue with malaise [bodily weakness]," according to the pamphlet Burke distributed.

Dehydration is the virus's most severe effect. To avoid dehydration, one must drink "clear fluids like ginger ale, diluted Powerade or Gatorade, Sprite, etc." said Tagliavini. Vomit aids in the virus's spread. According to the USA Today article, "vomit can spew the virus into the air and allow the virus to settle into small spaces."

If one fails to drink enough and dehydration prevails, ER re-hydration may be necessary. "Most people have recovered with time, oral re-hydration and fluid intake, and rest; an unlucky few have gotten dehydrated and needed intravenous fluids or re-hydration in the emergency room," commented Tagliavini. She went on to say that no Trinity student has needed to stay overnight.

According to Burke, as of Feb. 8 the Health Center continues to see new incidents of Norovirus daily. It is probable that the outbreak will subside in the very near future. If not earlier, the number of Norovirus cases will most likely rapidly decline as the winter season gradually comes to a close.

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