GA Tech: Norovirus identified as cause of GI illness on campus

ATLANTA - Georgia Tech officials have identified norovirus as the cause of a recent gastrointestinal illness outbreak on campus.

Norovirus, or the stomach bug, began to spread after students returned to campus from fall break, according to school officials. According to the school, more than 136 patients visited Stamps Health Services between October 11 and October 24 with symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, and body aches. Some patients also reported having a fever.

The Georgia Department of Health, the Fulton County Department of Health and Wellness and Emory University/Rollins School of Public Health assisted in the investigation.

The stomach bug is highly contagious. Officials are urging students and staff to follow these safety precautions:

So far, officials haven't been able to identify where norovirus originated on campus.