Protecting families from contaminated food and water
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Protecting families from contaminated food and water
Posted in Norovirus,Our Blog,Outbreaks & Recalls on February 8, 2026
Reports of norovirus at Quinnipiac University Ledges dorm have been circulating. It is difficult to keep widespread “stomach bug” symptoms quiet on that scale.
While the true number of sick individuals has not been disclosed, a significant number of students have become sick.
What exactly is norovirus and how did these students get sick? Here are some fast facts to help you better understand the situation and protect yourself and your student from norovirus!
Ledges Hall is one of the six first-year housing residences available at the Mount Carmel Campus of Quinnipiac University in Hamden Connecticut. With 99 rooms and up to four students per room, nearly 400 students can be in residence at any time.
Reports indicate that there are currently around 371 students living in The Ledges.
Last week, when many began falling sick, University officials sent an email out explaining that there was norovirus at Quinnipiac University. Some students even reported mitigating efforts like bathroom closures to help reduce the spread of illness. According to the University website, restroom facilities are located in the hallways. Each used by approximately 50 residents.
Close living quarters and inadequate hand hygiene promote the spread of norovirus illness.
What exactly is norovirus anyway?
Norovirus is a viral infection. It is often referred to as a “stomach flu” (completely unrelated to influenza virus). Or a “stomach bug,” which is more accurate than the former, but downplays the true source of the illness.
A stomach bug, you see, is something perceived to just “go around.” Due to its highly contagious nature, in a way, it does. However, it is very preventable. Probably even more so than influenza.
Where does norovirus come from?
Norovirus is the leading cause for foodborne illness in the United States. So, I would say it is pretty common. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this germ is responsible for 58% of foodborne infections acquired in the country each year.
The widespread illness across The Ledges dorm is likely due to how contagious norovirus is.
It doesn’t take much to get sick with norovirus. Health experts say you can become infected with as few as 10 viral particles.
The virus is spread by people who are already infected. This can be done by sharing food or eating utensils. But most commonly by eating after touching contaminated surfaces or consuming food touched by someone who is already infected and didn’t wash their hands.
Which brings me to how norovirus is spread.
And now for the thing that nobody wants to think about.
Unlike the actual flu or other respiratory viruses, norovirus is spread through the feces of an infected person.
Remember how I said it only takes a few viral particles to get sick? This means even trace amounts that you cannot see, smell, and (either fortunately or unfortunately) taste can get you sick.
It is unclear how students initially got sick with norovirus at Quinnipiac University Ledges dorm (or if the outbreak has spread to other parts of the campus). However, there are a few ways norovirus is commonly spread.
For example, an infected person may have prepared food for a group. Those consuming contaminated food may fall ill, extending the possible interactions and exposure. If those who became sick did not clean up after themselves in the bathroom or did not effectively wash their hands, others touching surfaces may come in contact with norovirus.
Now that you know what norovirus is. How do you know if you have it?
Only specialized laboratory tests performed on fecal samples can accurately diagnose norovirus. You can infer diagnosis if you have the same symptoms and similar food experiences to someone who has already been diagnosed.
Most people begin feeling symptoms within 12 to 48 hours of exposure.
Common symptoms of norovirus infection include:
Most people recover within one to three days. You are most contagious and likely to transmit your illness to others while you are feeling sick through the first few days of feeling better.
There is no medical treatment protocol for norovirus. Antibiotics are not effective against this type of infection, so your best course of action is to hydrate and rest until symptoms subside.
Vomiting and diarrhea multiple times a day can lead to dehydration – a dangerous complication.
Especially in young children, older adults, and those with other existing illnesses.
Dehydration symptoms may include:
Contact your healthcare provider if you or someone you are caring for becomes severely dehydrated.
If you or your child has been recently diagnosed with norovirus infection or symptoms consistent with norovirus infection after attending or visiting The Ledges dorm at Quinnipiac University, you may be involved in this outbreak. Get medical help right away and be sure you are tested for this harmful bacterial infection.
You can also reach out to your local health department. The more information investigators have about what sick people ate in the weeks prior to becoming sick the better grasp they will have on what is causing it.
If you have been seriously impacted by your norovirus illness, you may have a legal case. Norovirus at Quinnipiac University is a serious situation. It is a good idea to get advice from an experienced norovirus lawyer to help you navigate the legal process.
The Lange Law Firm, PLLC has recovered millions of dollars in food contamination and product liability suits to help cover medical expenses, missed work, and other burdens associated with foodborne illness.
Call (833) 330-3663 or submit your information on the online submission form for a free, no obligation consultation to go over the details of your situation.
By: Heather Van Tassell (contributing writer, non-lawyer)