GUMC Faculty Member Provides Expertise to Community During Recent Campus Norovirus Outbreak

October 2, 2008

The District of Columbia Department of Health (DOH) today informed Georgetown University that the recent gastrointestinal illnesses affecting more than 175 students this week were caused by norovirus.

Norovirus, a highly contagious group of viruses, can be spread through food, but also through person-to-person contact, according to the DOH.

The DOH recommended the university maintain routine campus operations, with an enhanced focus on cleaning public areas and emphasizing the importance of personal hygiene and hand washing.

"University officials are taking this very seriously and moving quickly to take appropriate steps to respond to students' needs and to prevent the spread of the virus," said Georgetown President John DeGioia at an information session in Sellinger Lounge attended by students, faculty and staff.

Dr. Joseph Timpone, assistant professor of infectious disease at Georgetown University Medical Center, provided information to concerned members of the GUMC community at Sellinger Lounge, saying the virus is a pretty common one.

"There have been numerous outbreaks over the years that have been reported," he said. "I anticipate that most students who get the virus will be well within 24-72 hours at the most."

To see video of Dr. Timpone addressing the outbreak, click here.

For more information on the norovirus outbreak, click here.

Submit your news at any time to the GUMC Office of Communications at gumccomm@georgetown.edu.



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