Norovirus strikes Jewish camp in Texas

Over 100 campers forced to leave early with gastro trouble, camp continues with over 400 unaffected campers

URJ Greene Family Camp, Bruceville, Texas (Screen capture: YouTube)
URJ Greene Family Camp, Bruceville, Texas (Screen capture: YouTube)

More than 100 campers and staff at a Union of Reform Judaism overnight camp in Bruceville, Texas, were stricken with the norovirus.

The outbreak on the final days of the session at URJ Greene Family Camp meant many campers and staff left earlier than the Aug. 2 closing, according to the Jewish Herald-Voice of Houston.

The cause of the outbreak wasn’t clear, with more than 400 others in camp not affected by the virus.

Symptoms of the norovirus infection include gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea that typically resolve in 24 to 48 hours.

Staff worked around the clock to maintain the camp schedule, care for the sick campers and prevent further outbreaks by disinfecting cabins, bathrooms and other facilities, the Herald-Voice reported.

“Our staff was remarkable and the kids were great. We are thankful that we have a great staff,” said camp director Loui Dobin.

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