Virus Hits Three Wisconsin Universities

Custodians at Wisconsin universities will want to take extra care cleaning high-touch surfaces following an increase of adenovirus at three university campuses, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports. 

School officials at University of Wisconsin’s campuses in Madison, La Crosse, and Oshkosh, have been told to wash their hands frequently after university officials confirmed at least three cases of adenovirus. It is likely there are more cases as some symptoms of adenovirus, such as a sore throat and runny nose, are often mistaken for a cold.

There are more than 50 known strains of adenovirus, with a range of symptoms including severe respiratory illness, pink eye, and gastroenteritis. The virus has been known to result in death in people with weakened immune systems as it can cause pneumonia and organ failure, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Health officials warn that adenoviruses can survive for a long time on surfaces. A common way to catch it is by touching a contaminated surface then putting your hands to your mouth, nose, or eyes.

Learn about three new technologies that can help eliminate germs, such as adenovirus, from high-touch surfaces.