The stomach flu infecting 93 students in six University of Michigan residence halls is unlikely to travel to MSU, an East Lansing expert says.
Dele Davies, chairman of MSU's Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, said there are two primary kinds of gastroenteritis, or the stomach flu: Norovirus and rotavirus.
U-M's campus is infected with norovirus, according to tests conducted by the Michigan Bureau of Laboratories. Campus health officials had predicted that when the outbreak was first detected Wednesday, so proper steps were taken in controlling the virus.
The virus spread primarily through physical contact with the germs by touch or in food. Viruses are quick to spread in contained environments such as dorms, but they rarely travel long distances.
"Unless you have transportation, U-M and MSU viruses tend to stay apart," Davies said.
The virus probably will last about 48 hours and symptoms include nausea, stomach cramps and diarrhea, but it is not deadly. Symptoms usually begin one or two days after the virus is contracted. Health officials say it is important to stay hydrated throughout the course of the illness because of loss of bodily fluids.
Efforts by housing officials to curb the virus include disinfecting doorknobs and other common objects with which students interact. Davies said the most effective way to combat the virus' spread is through careful and consistent hand-washing. Students at U-M also were recommended not to share utensils with anyone, to avoid sick friends and to report any symptoms of the virus to housing officials immediately.
If the virus were to come to MSU, a similar plan of action would probably take place, Residence Halls Association Health and Safety Director Shannon Kilway said, but for now, the focus is on prevention.
"RHA passed out cold-and-flu packs with antibacterial soap. It's prevention first," she said.
General business administration and pre-law freshman Angela Lipkin said contracting viruses in the dorms doesn't concern her. She said the cafeteria, especially, does a strong job of keeping food germ-free.
"They keep it so sanitary; it's amazing," she said. "I never expected them to keep it as wonderful as they do."
