Second Norovirus Outbreak Shuts Faculty Club

The Harvard Faculty Club was closed for a second time on Tuesday, amid renewed guest complaints of illnesses in the wake of a norovirus infection that affected Club guests just a week before.

During the two days in which the Club was reopened, approximately 100 people reported becoming ill, according to The Boston Globe.

Norovirus is a highly contagious gastrointestinal virus that is spread by direct contact with contaminated persons or objects, according to the University Health Services Web site. Some of the symptoms include vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and minor fever.

Exactly one week prior to Tuesday’s closing, several guests complained about such symptoms. Their illnesses were eventually linked to norovirus, and the Club was immediately closed.

A highly-specialized cleaning crew was subsequently hired to thoroughly disinfect the entire facility, said Harvard University Dining Services spokeswoman Crista Martin. The crew also screened Club employees for the virus.

These measures were deemed sufficient by the Cambridge Public Health Department, and the Club was then allowed to recommence services on April 4, Martin said.

Despite all these measures, the virus resurfaced two days later. Neither University nor public health officials have been able to determine the cause of either incidents, Martin noted.

She added that a slew of similar norovirus-like illnesses have been reported in the greater Boston area but that there have not been any such reports from other Harvard dining areas.

UHS Communications Officer Jennifer B. Anderson said she still encourages Harvard community members to take the necessary precautions to avoid getting the virus. According to the UHS Web site, the most effective preventative measure is regular hand-washing, preferably with warm water and soap.

People who start exhibiting the aforementioned symptoms are advised to avoid dairy products, drink plenty of water, and sleep.

Club officials are still working with public health officials to identify and eliminate the source of the virus, according to a statement posted on their Web site.

The Club has yet to determine a reopening date, Martin said.