Published:
City and state health officials have confirmed that norovirus was the cause of gastrointestinal symptoms that affected a group of Central Connecticut State University students on Sept. 27.
Working with the leadership team at Central, the New Britain City Health Department, the Connecticut Department of Public Health, and the State Laboratory investigated and confirmed through laboratory tests that norovirus and not a unique food source caused the illness. The outbreak was limited in scope, and less than 10 people tested positive.
Symptoms of the illness were first reported in the late afternoon of Sept. 27.
University staff immediately took measures to increase cleaning of high-touch areas around campus and limited access to areas like vending machines and kiosks in dining areas until a source was found. Reports of new cases of the illness dwindled shortly after the protocols were put into place. The extra cleaning will continue as a precaution.
Consulting doctors have not reported any new cases since Sept. 29. Students who reported gastrointestinal illness have recovered and none were admitted to the hospital. Central will continue to monitor the situation.
Upon learning of the reports of illness, Central closed Hilltop Café, the satellite dining hall, as a precaution. All other dining facilities remained open. Investigators at the time were unable to isolate a unique food source as the cause of the illness. On Friday, Sept. 29, the city health department cleared Hilltop Café to reopen and resume normal business hours.
Throughout the investigation, students had access to the main dining hall in Memorial Hall, as well as the Devil’s Den food court in the Student Center. As a safety measure, buffets were taken off the menu.
The New Britain Health Department has advised Central’s food service provider on proper cleaning procedures for norovirus and will continue to investigate and coordinate with officials at Central and the Connecticut Department of Public Health as needed.
The coordinated efforts of the City of New Britain Health Department, Connecticut Department of Public Health, the State Laboratory, and Central were fundamental to containing the spread of the virus.
Health officials continue to recommend measures to avoid contracting norovirus or spreading the virus. They advised students and staff, including food service staff, to practice frequent handwashing with soap and water and to avoid preparing food if they begin to experience gastrointestinal symptoms. Typical symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, low grade fever. Those who experience symptoms are advised to seek medical attention if the symptoms become severe.
The Student Wellness Center at Central is also available to assist students.
Please feel free to use the following link to the Federal Centers for Disease Control for guidance on managing norovirus and proper handwashing: https://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/index.html/.
Contact information For Health Services at Central.
General inquiries:
Willard-DiLoreto Hall W101
(860) 832-1925
sws@ccsu.edu
Appointment line
(860) 832-1926