Health Update Regarding the Gastrointestinal Infection on Campus
Important Update to GI Illness on Campus
Dear all,
This is an important update on cases involving nausea, vomiting and diarrhea on Vassar’s campus. The New York State Department of Health has confirmed that our initial batch of specimens that was submitted to the lab tested positive for norovirus. There have been a total of 164 reported cases since April 25th, with cases continuing to be primarily among students. Out of caution, we continue to also notify all faculty and employees. We did see a spike in cases yesterday and continue to work with the Dutchess County Health Department (DOH) to contain and mitigate transmission on-campus.
Facilities Operations continues to enhance cleaning and disinfection procedures especially in common areas in each of the Residential Houses. Dining Services also continues to practice optimal hygiene practices in all dining spaces. In addition, the Dean of Studies Office is working with all affected students and faculty to ensure the appropriate academic accommodations. Students can also reach out directly to their class advisor if they have any concerns or questions about final exams.
Please continue to prevent the spread through the following measures:
- WASH HANDS with soap and water being preferred
- Avoid touching your face or mouth
- Disinfect high touch surfaces and restrooms with bleach-based solution
- Handle and prepare food safely
- Avoid sharing utensils, food, and beverages with others
- Wash laundry with detergent and hot water; machine dry on high setting
- Please call the CRC (845) 437-7333) if there are any areas in need of immediate cleaning
***Students experiencing the above symptoms***
Contact Health Service at (845) 437-5800 between 9a-5p
**Health Services can assess you and provide oral and IV rehydration and medications as needed.
Non-Emergent Medical Concerns After-Hours call the Campus Response Center: (845) 437-5221
Emergency Medical Services call the Campus Response Center: (845) 437-7333.
More information about Norovirus
April 29, 2022
Dear all,
Here is an update on cases involving nausea, vomiting and diarrhea on Vassar campus. There have been a total of 104 reported cases since April 25th, with cases continuing to be primarily among students. Out of caution, we continue to also notify all faculty and employees. We have fortunately seen a downward trend in case numbers and continue to work with the Dutchess County Health Department (DOH) to contain and mitigate transmission on-campus.
We are working directly with NYSDOH Wadsworth Laboratory in Albany to identify the exact cause of this illness, which as of yet has not been determined. The illness does appear to be highly infectious and is generally resolving in less than 72 hours.
Facilities Operations continues to enhance cleaning and disinfection procedures especially in common areas in each of the Residential Houses. Dining Services continues to practice optimal hygiene practices. We understand that this is an especially stressful time in the semester and are working to support any students affected by this illness. In particular, the Dean of Studies Office is working with all affected students and faculty to ensure the appropriate academic accommodations.
Prevent the spread by:
- Washing hands, soap and water preferred
- Avoid touching your face or mouth
- Disinfection of High Touch Surfaces with bleach solution
- Avoid sharing utensils, food, beverages with others
***Students experiencing the above symptoms**
Contact Health Service at (845) 437-5800 between 9a-5p
- Health Services can assess you and provide oral and IV rehydration and medications as needed.
- Students with gastroenteritis symptoms as mentioned above will be evaluated in a triage tent located outside of Baldwin House between 9am-5pm
For Non-Emergent Medical Concerns After-Hours call the Campus Response Center at (843) 437-5221
For Emergency Medical Services call the Campus Response Center at (845) 437-7333.