Norovirus forces closure of Babson College; students asked to stay on campus

By Caitlin Castello, Globe Correspondent

Babson College was closed at 5 p.m. today due to an outbreak of the norovirus gastrointestinal illness.

About 100 students have fallen ill since Wednesday. The decision to close the school was made today after the virus escalated amongst the students, said Dr. Marcia Testa-Simonson, vice chair of the Wellesley Board of Health.

The symptoms of the norovirus include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. The illness lasts 24 to 60 hours, according Testa-Simonson.

The virus can be spread through food and close contact with a infected individual. The college said there is no indication that the outbreak was food-related. The origin of the outbreak is unknown.

揫The virus] can really spread like wildfire, really impossible to find the source,� said Dr. Alfred DeMaria, state epidemiologist.

There is no indication that the virus has spread to the Wellesley community, said Testa. The school is closed and students who live on campus are asked to stay on campus. The school is aiming to reopen Wednesday, said Mary Suresh, director of the Wellesley Health Department.

To combat the illness, people are urged to frequently wash their hands and each student room has been supplied with cleaning supplies.