About 50 UCSC Students Struck by Stomach Flu

Health officials have sent out an email to students at the University of California at Santa Cruz after a couple of dozen reported cases of stomach flu broke out this week.

"The cause is not completely known at this time," wrote Dr. Drew Malloy, the medical director at the Student Health Center. "Health Center staff and campus environmental health and safety officials are working with the county health department to identify any possible common cause. Meanwhile, the university has instituted standard protocols to minimize the risk to community members."

There were about 50 cases, according to Beth Hyde, the school's Patient Care Coordinator. "No one was hospitalized and most are better."

She said the school's quick and professional response to the cases helped stem it.

"I'm impressed with how own top of it this campus was. They got right on it. I think that's why it didn't get worse," she said.

The school notified students as soon as it realized there was a pattern of illnesses.

"We put table top messages on every table in the dining rooms and there are already hand sanitizers and I think that's why we are seeing people get better," she said.

"If there is one message I'd like to get out there, it's that the thing you can do for not getting this is wash your hands, wash your hands, wash your hands."

The symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and some stomach cramping and low-grade fever, chills, headache, muscle aches and a general sense of tiredness.

"The illness often begins suddenly," Dr. Malloy said. "Typically the illness is brief, with symptoms lasting only about one or two days. We suspect this illness is caused by a virus. Viruses can live outside of the body and be passed by touching objects, surfaces or utensils that have been infected by someone who was ill.

"While these viruses are not life threatening, they can cause significant gastrointestinal issues (vomiting and diarrhea) and dehydration, especially if the person is unable to drink enough liquids to replace liquids lost."

The doctor asked that students who are sick avoid eating in the self-serve section of the dining halls and in the dining rooms for 48 hours after they have experienced symptoms.

There is a buddy system for friends to pick up meals for those who are ill.

For more information, check here.