Dear Faculty, Staff, and Students,
Over the past two weeks, the Madison County Health Department has seen an increase in reports of gastrointestinal illness throughout the county. This week, Student Health Services has seen an increase in the number of students reporting symptoms of gastrointestinal illness, with one confirmed case of Norovirus.
Symptoms include:
- Sudden onset of vomiting
- Watery, non-bloody diarrhea with abdominal cramps
- Nausea
Symptoms typically last 24–48 hours. If you have symptoms:
- Stay home
- Drink fluids to help prevent dehydration
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol
- Do not return to class, work, or social activities until symptoms have been resolved for 48 hours
Seek ER evaluation if you have signs of dehydration, including:
- Excessive thirst
- Dry mouth
- Infrequent urination
- Dark-colored urine
- Dizziness/lightheadedness upon standing
To decrease the spread of illness, the most effective measures include:
- Wash your hands frequently. Hand sanitizer is also effective.
- Do not share: eating or serving utensils, cups, or water bottles, toothbrushes, linens, towels, vapes, or other personal items.
- Disinfect high-contact surfaces and surfaces at the highest risk for contamination (bathrooms) frequently with an appropriate cleaning solution.
The dining halls will be moving to a full-serve model for the coming days, and Student Health Services is working closely with the Madison County Health Department to monitor the situation for any further increase in illness.
As with any illness, students can visit colgate.edu/student-health-services for information about seeking care.
Dr. Ellen Larson
Director of Student Health Services