Collegeville, PA. — In the past week, at least 200 of Ursinus students fell ill with a stomach infection. Symptoms included prolonged vomiting, and a number of students went to the hospital or to urgent care centers for treatment.
Working with the Montgomery County Health Department (MCHD), Ursinus is actively investigating the potential cause of this illness to determine whether it is food-borne or transmitted by person-to-person contact.
MCHD has been on campus investigating the outbreak of gastro-intestinal illness. The following is excerpted from their news release:
“I encourage any students or staff experiencing symptoms including diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain to be particularly careful about dehydration and to seek medical care,” said Dr. Valerie Arkoosh, Interim Medical Director of the Montgomery County Health Department.
It is unknown at this time whether the illness is food-borne or transmitted by person-to-person contact.
As of Friday morning at 9:45 a.m., 7 new students reported symptoms of stomach infection overnight. No one was taken to the emergency room.
Since Tuesday afternoon, a total of 192 students have reported symptoms related to stomach illness to the college’s Wellness Center or Campus Safety Office. Many of these students have reported that they are feeling substantially better. Only a handful of faculty and staff have reported symptoms.
The investigation continues.
