Norovirus hits Babson College

BABSON PARK, MA — The Babson College campus closed at 5 p.m. on Saturday and will remain closed until Wednesday due to an outbreak of norovirus, a highly contagious gastrointestinal illness whose eradication requires extensive cleaning of surfaces, according to a press release.


All classes, meetings, athletic events and similar events are cancelled until Wednesday morning; all non-essential personnel should refrain from reporting to campus, the release stated.


Since last Wednesday, more than 100 students and staff have reported symptoms consistent with those of norovirus, the release noted.


Custodians at Babson College are working diligently to clean and sanitize all high-touch surfaces in all campus facilities, and students have been given appropriate cleaning supplies to clean and sanitize their rooms, the release added.


According to the release, students have been asked to remain on campus and avoid congregating in groups to reduce the risk of further spreading the virus.