Three norovirus cases confirmed at UC Berkeley

Health officials are investigating a possible norovirus outbreak at UC Berkeley after confirming three cases of the illness, according to authorities.

There was no single location, event or restaurant that tied the cases together, UC Berkeley officials said. Students began showing symptoms last week.

“University Health Services has seen 29 people with noro-like symptoms, three of whom have been confirmed with norovirus,� officials said.

The university has advised students to regularly wash their hands and stay home if they are ill.

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The city of Berkeley Public Health Division is investigating the outbreak, student health services spokeswoman Kim LaPean said.

Norovirus is a contagious organism that can be spread through contaminated food or water and human interaction, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Each year, it causes 19 million to 21 million illnesses and contributes to more than 50,000 hospitalizations. Norovirus is also the most common cause of foodborne-disease outbreaks in the United States, the CDC said.

The infection causes inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Symptoms include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

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