3 norovirus cases found at UC Berkeley

UC Berkeley officials announced Tuesday three cases of norovirus on campus, warning students, faculty and staff members to stay home if they’re sick and to diligently wash their hands.

The situation points to a possible norovirus outbreak at the university as three on-campus cases have been confirmed and 29 other people have reported similar symptoms.

The “highly contagious virus” results in gastroenteritis — which usually involves vomiting and diarrhea — and causes around 20 million illnesses and 570 to 800 reported deaths each year.

Other signs of infection include nausea, stomach cramps, low-grade fever, headache and body aches.

Officials warn norovirus is very easy to catch, whether through direct contact with an infected person, eating food or drinking liquids contaminated with the virus, or touching your mouth after touching tainted surfaces or objects.