PRINCETON: 40 Princeton students treated for norovirus

By Philip Sean Curran, Staff Writer
   A stomach bug resurfaced at Princeton University in the past few weeks, the school said.
   Forty students with symptoms of gastroenteritis — described as an inflammation of the stomach and intestines — were seen at the university health center since Jan. 8, university spokesman Martin Mbugua said Monday. He said stool samples sent to the state Department of Health and Senior Services for testing came back positive for norovirus, a cause of gastroenteritis.
   No one has had to be hospitalized, he said.
   Last year, Princeton had an outbreak of gastroenteritis; press reports last year put the total at 288 cases. Nearby Rider University battled the same problem, although with fewer total cases.
   Symptoms of gastroenteritis, which can last for up to 10 days, include diarrhea, vomiting and cramping, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The illness, though contagious, is not considered serious for most people, the CDC said.
   In an advisory sent Friday to the university community, Princeton health officials offered tips people should follow including frequent hand-washing, drinking plenty of fluids and avoiding sharing towels, food and eating utensils.
   ”You can prevent the spread of illness by limiting contact with others if sick and frequent hand-washing with soap and warm water,” the advisory read in part.