A quick message of support for all the students and community members currently suffering from norovirus, and to all those who are looking out for us during this time. Although you will probably hear and see it all over campus in the coming days, here are the recommended practices for preventing the spread of norovirus, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

Practice proper hand hygiene

Wash your hands carefully with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and changing diapers, and always before eating or preparing food. If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. These alcohol-based products can help reduce the number of germs on your hands, but they are not a substitute for washing with soap and water.

Handle and prepare food safely

Carefully rinse fruits and vegetables, and cook oysters and other shellfish thoroughly before eating.

People with norovirus illness should not prepare food for others while they have symptoms and for at least 2 days after they recover from their illness.

Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces

After someone vomits or has diarrhea, put on disposable gloves to immediately clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces using a bleach-based household cleaner as directed on the product label. If no such cleaning product is available, you can use a solution made with 5 tablespoons to 1.5 cups of household bleach per 1 gallon of water. Always clean up the entire area immediately after someone with norovirus vomits or has diarrhea. It will help keep others from getting sick from norovirus.

Wash laundry thoroughly

Immediately remove and wash clothing or linens that may be contaminated with vomit or poop. Handle soiled items carefully — try not to shake them — to avoid spreading virus. If available, wear disposable gloves while handling soiled clothing or linens and wash your hands after handling. Wash soiled items with detergent at the maximum available cycle length and then machine dry.