COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus)
To see the university's latest updates, communications and testing data, visit case.edu/covid19.
Norovirus
February 2, 2023
In recent days, we have seen an increased number of CWRU students who have had sudden onset of vomiting and/or diarrhea. These symptoms are often caused by norovirus, a highly contagious but relatively benign viral infection. Norovirus is not the same as SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
The most effective way to stop the spread of the norovirus and other gastrointestinal illnesses (“stomach flus”) is to practice good handwashing and hygiene and stay home if you have vomiting or diarrhea. Students with symptoms should remain in their rooms and follow the guidelines here.
Students experiencing persistent, severe vomiting, diarrhea or stomach pain should call Health Services at 216.368.2450 for immediate medical advice. For medical emergencies, please call 911 off-campus or 216.368.3333 on-campus.
More information about managing your symptoms can be found here.
What is norovirus?
Norovirus is a virus that causes vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramping.
How is norovirus spread?
The virus is found in the stool or vomit of someone infected with norovirus. The virus can be spread by eating food or drink that has been contaminated with norovirus as well as by touching objects with norovirus on them (shaking hands with an infected person, touching a doorknob or keyboard that has norovirus on it and then touching your mouth, etc.
What are the signs and symptoms of norovirus?
Symptoms usually begin 12-48 hours after becoming infected with the virus and can include:
- Vomiting
- Watery, non-bloody diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
What is the treatment for norovirus?
- There is no treatment for norovirus; people usually recover on their own 2-3 days after symptoms start.
- Drinking plenty of liquids is important to replace fluid loss and to make sure the body does not become dehydrated.
How can norovirus be prevented?
- Handwashing is the most important step to prevent the spread of norovirus. It is essential to wash hands after using the restroom and before touching food.
- Anyone with diarrhea or vomiting should stay home and not attend class until symptoms are gone in order to prevent spreading norovirus to others.
- People with diarrhea or who are vomiting should not handle food, work in or attend daycare centers or schools or take care of patients in a healthcare facility until 48 hours after their symptoms are gone.
These helpful websites can provide additional information on norovirus:
Counterfeit Pills
July 12, 2022
The Cuyahoga County Medical Examiner issued a public health alert on July 12, 2022. This comes after over 30 suspected overdose deaths occurred within the first 12 days of this month.
Counterfeit pills are becoming increasingly available and are often found to contain fentanyl. Many times, a single counterfeit pill contains a lethal dose of fentanyl.
For more information on how to obtain tests to determine if a substance contains fentanyl can be found on this website.
Read the full public health alert