Administrators at CalArts closed down the Valencia campus Friday evening in efforts to contain the spread of an illness that affected at least 16 people since Tuesday.
“We are taking all possible health precautions at this point,” CalArts Media Relations Manager Margarete Crane said.
The illness has continued to spread, she said.
CalArts administrators have cancelled all classes and campus activities through the end of day Monday. That includes the popular CalArts Halloween party, which was scheduled for Friday night.
An online health update posted Friday on the university’s website states: “This is not a decision the administration and Student Council made lightly — but the health and safety of the entire CalArts community is our top priority.”
Crane expected that as of Friday evening, the campus should be ready to reopen Tuesday morning.
Students who live on campus are being allowed to remain on campus over the weekend.
Officials from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health said Thursday they are investigating 16 cases of what they suspect is norovirus.
The highly contagious gastrointestinal virus causes inflammation in the stomach or intestines, leading to stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting.
Public health officials could not be reached Friday night to confirm whether the illness has spread.
CalArts faculty, staff members and students are being asked by the Public Health Department to complete an online survey to help pinpoint the cause of the outbreak.
School officials say to check the Campus Health Advisory webpage for up-to-date information.
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10 Comments
What’s the illness I live right by there!
What is it ????
Story: http://wp.me/p1Le03-f1g
It’s norovirus, most likely caused by a student-cooked food event at the school.
http://m.calarts.edu/campus-health-update-nov-2013
Sucks, poor kids. They are still new cases happening!
http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-norovirus-suspected-at-stanford-university-residence-hall-20131101,0,7874777.story#axzz2jSDn5HZh
Zombie outbreak
This is happening at Stanford University too. http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-norovirus-suspected-at-stanford-university-residence-hall-20131101,0,7874777.story#axzz2jSa0CTwa
Wondering if the Norovirus outbreak at CalArts is related to the Norovirus outbreak in Palo Alto at the Stanford Univ. dorm dining service there? Bon Appetit serves the CalArts cafeteria, and, interestingly, Bon Appetit Management Company is based in Palo Alto.
I’m the mother of Daniel Kleen, who is Not sick. But know that school will be closed through Tuesday Nov. 5th . Who or what food. And how bad is the situation?