Warwick issues norovirus warning for students after outbreak on campus

A norovirus warning was sent out to students via the MyWarwick app this Tuesday, after an outbreak on campus prompted the SU to urge those affected to stay at home.

In a story post to Instagram, Warwick Students’ Union urged anyone displaying symptoms to refrain from visiting campus and to stay home for at least 48 hours after symptoms subside.

This followed an outbreak of norovirus, also known as the “winter vomiting bug”, in the University Nursery, used as a daycare centre for the children of staff and students.

Coventry and Warwickshire are currently experiencing a significant increase in norovirus cases, with local NHS authorities advising residents to take extra precautions

Norovirus, which is more common in the winter, spreads through close contact with infected individuals, touching contaminated surfaces, or consuming food handled by someone carrying the virus.

Symptoms, which include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headaches, and muscle aches, typically appear suddenly within one to two days of exposure.

Coventry and Warwickshire are currently experiencing a significant increase in norovirus cases, with local NHS authorities advising residents to take extra precautions.

Students experiencing symptoms have been urged to avoid campus and remain at home, refraining from going to classes, work, or any public spaces until at least 48 hours after symptoms have subsided.

The NHS emphasises that frequent handwashing with soap and water is the most effective way to curb the virus, since alcohol-based hand gels are ineffective.

Recovery usually takes two to three days and involves resting and drinking a lot of water to avoid dehydration. Additional precautions include washing clothes and bedding at 60°C, cleaning surfaces with bleach-based disinfectants, and avoiding food preparation for others until fully recovered.