Health concerns Unexpected Journey turn out to be (also) caused by norovirus

The norovirus has been detected in a number of samples taken from students who are unwell. The associated symptoms are abdominal cramps, vomiting and diarrhoea. These symptoms are similar to those of food poisoning.

Norovirus is a highly contagious stomach bug. At present, however, it is not yet known whether this norovirus is the sole cause of the outbreak, or whether there are several contributing factors. Nor do we yet know whether the norovirus has spread via contaminated food or whether the infection occurred as a result of sick people passing it on to one another. The latter can happen, for example, via vomit, diarrhoea, contaminated toilets, and via contaminated hands and surfaces.

The GGD (regional health service) and the NVWA (Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority) are investigating the various possible scenarios, in collaboration with Belgian partners and BUas. The GGD and BUas strongly advise that the specified hygiene measures be followed, both at BUas and at home.

What to do if you have symptoms

We ask anyone with symptoms to strictly follow the advice given last Friday. In short: if you’re ill, stay at home. Drink small amounts regularly. Practise good hand hygiene. You can find useful advice on Thuisarts: Ik heb buikgriep, wat moet ik doen? | Thuisarts.

In summary: 

• For mild symptoms such as vomiting, stomach ache or headache, you should simply let the illness run its course. Paracetamol may help. Otherwise, rest, sleep and recover. Symptoms and the course of recovery can vary from person to person.
• It is important to drink plenty of fluids (water). You can also use ORS if you are vomiting frequently or have severe diarrhoea.
• If symptoms such as severe pain, vomiting blood or fainting occur, please contact the Breda GP out-of-hours service: www.hapwb.nl.
• Observe basic hygiene rules at home. Wash your hands thoroughly after using the toilet and before preparing food. If you are ill, do not cook for others. Make sure to ask your housemates to follow these rules as well. Detailed advice can be found at: Norovirus | RIVM.
• If you work in healthcare or food preparation and you have (or have had) symptoms, discuss with your employer when you can return to work.

What else are we doing? 

BUas is implementing additional hygiene and cleaning measures, such as in the toilets. BUas has deployed extra cleaning staff and has increased the frequency of cleaning.

The GGD, together with relevant Dutch and Belgian partners, is continuing to investigate the possible causes of the cases of illness. To this end, the GGD will, among other things, be conducting surveys among students (organised via BUas).

With this additional information, we are continuing with the measures already taken on Friday and have intensified the cleaning measures. The GGD has indicated that the detection of the norovirus does not necessarily need to affect the continuity of teaching. BUas has therefore decided once again that classes will go ahead as normal. If you are unwell, please report this to BUas: staff should contact their managers, and students their mentor. Please stay at home, and take the advice seriously.

BUas Executive Board