Norovirus outbreak suspected at Colgate University with over 60 cases under investigation

HAMILTON, N.Y. — At least 15 students at Colgate University are showing symptoms of a gastrointestinal illness consistent with norovirus infection, according to the Madison County Public Health Department.

Two of the 15 students have tested positive for norovirus, a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhea. An additional 54 suspected cases are under investigation, including both students and people living or working in Hamilton.

Noroviruses are highly contagious, spreading easily from person to person. The majority of the suspect cases are associated with different social events held on and off campus, including a fundraising event at the Colgate Inn on Feb. 22 and student social gatherings.

The University is working with Madison County Public Health to identify cases, investigate, interview, provide education, and enhance cleaning to slow the spread of illness.

The CDC this week communicated that norovirus outbreaks are impacting communities nationwide. Outbreaks are more commonly identified in settings where a large number of people gather, such as college campuses, restaurants, nursing homes, hospitals, schools, daycare centers, and cruise ships.

Gastrointestinal illness reports in Madison County from schools and hospital emergency rooms remained elevated this month.

Click here to learn more about norovirus to lower your risk of getting or spreading the infection.

In the last two weeks, if you experienced vomiting, stomach pain, and diarrhea within 12-48 hours and attended an event in the Town of Hamilton or had close contact with someone with the same symptoms in the Town of Hamilton, you may self-report your illness to Madison County Public Health online.