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Message from the Student Health Service – Feb. 23

by Betsy Chapman

The following message was sent to the campus community on behalf of Cecil D. Price, M.D., Director, Student Health Service.

Over the past 24 hours, the Student Health Service has treated several students for nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and fever. In consultation with the Forsyth County Health Department, we have determined that these symptoms are being seen in other parts of the surrounding community as well as across campus. The cause of the outbreak is unknown, although the symptoms are consistent with a mild, self-limiting viral infection. The Health Department is investigating to determine the source of the outbreak.

The symptoms associated with this outbreak have been mild and are not life threatening. They usually resolve in about 24 hours. The illness tends to respond with supportive medical measures (nausea medicine, fever medicine). Occasionally affected students have required rehydration with intravenous fluids.

Students with these symptoms, especially if they are having trouble keeping down fluids, should seek medical care from the Student Health Service. For more information about what to eat or drink when ill with gastroenteritis,
please see the following Student Health Service webpage.

All students should practice common sense hygiene measures to prevent the spread of this illness, such as frequent hand washing, avoiding sharing food, drinks or other eating utensils, and minimizing contact with individuals who are having symptoms. Individual who have symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) should wash their hands frequently with warm soapy water, especially after using the toilet. They should avoid handling food that will be eaten by other people; and they should not work in restaurants and day-care settings until their symptoms have completely resolved.

The Health Service will provide updated information concerning this outbreak as more information becomes available. In the meantime, please be assured that the University is taking all possible preventive measures and has coordinated our response with all necessary departments on campus, including food services and custodial operations.

It is requested that parents not call the Student Health Service for more information right now.  A different contact number will be available soon. Any additional information will be posted on the Parents’ Page as it becomes available.

Sent on behalf of Cecil D. Price, M.D
Director, Student Health Service

Over the past 24 hours, the Student Health Service has treated several
students for nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and fever. In
consultation with the Forsyth County Health Department, we have determined
that these symptoms are being seen in other parts of the surrounding
community as well as across campus. The cause of the outbreak is unknown,
although the symptoms are consistent with a mild, self-limiting viral
infection. The Health Department is investigating to determine the source of
the outbreak.

The symptoms associated with this outbreak have been mild and are not life
threatening. They usually resolve in about 24 hours. The illness tends to
respond with supportive medical measures (nausea medicine, fever medicine).
Occasionally affected students have required rehydration with intravenous
fluids.

Students with these symptoms, especially if they are having trouble keeping
down fluids, should seek medical care from the Student Health Service. For
more information about what to eat or drink when ill with gastroenteritis,
please see the Student Health Service webpage at
http://www.wfu.edu/shs/gastro.html/

All students should practice common sense hygiene measures to prevent the
spread of this illness, such as frequent hand washing, avoiding sharing
food, drinks or other eating utensils, and minimizing contact with
individuals who are having symptoms. Individual who have symptoms (nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea) should wash their hands frequently with warm soapy
water, especially after using the toilet. They should avoid handling food
that will be eaten by other people; and they should not work in restaurants
and day-care settings until their symptoms have completely resolved.

The Health Service will provide updated information concerning this outbreak
as more information becomes available. In the meantime, please be assured
that the University is taking all possible preventive measures and has
coordinated our response with all necessary departments on campus, including
food services and custodial operations.

Contact

To contact the Office of Family Engagement or Family Communications, please visit our contact page.

 

For mental health assistance: 336-758-CARE (2273) is a service that ensures someone will always be available (i.e., 24/7 M-F, weekends and university holidays) to provide caring and thoughtful consultation services for Wake Forest students in need of mental health assistance or support. You can also visit we.wfu.edu for resources.