Staff report

The suspected-Norovirus outbreak continues to spread at the University of Rochester with 95 students reporting symptoms.

According to an email from the university, the outbreak remains largely confined to the River Campus, with a few cases also reported at Eastman School of Music.

The rash of illnesses has prompted several changes to Friday's Dandelion Day celebration:

All of the amusement rides will receive disinfecting wash-downs of the ride bars and seats at 15 minute intervals. Organizers are being extra vigilant about all of the Dandelion Day activity areas being cleaned frequently.

Outdoor handwashing stations have been added and will be located near the rides and food areas.

Most of the foods and beverages available outside will be prepackaged. The visiting food trucks will follow their normal food handling protocol that includes wearing gloves and preparing the food for the customer.

Norovirus is a very contagious virus that spreads from an infected person, from contaminated food or water, or by touching contaminated surfaces, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis — inflammation of the stomach and the intestines — in the United States.

The effects of norovirus tend to last 24 to 48 hours.