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GI outbreak sickens 186 students at Pennsylvania college
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An unidentified gastrointestinal illness has sickened at least 186 students at Ursinus College in Pennsylvania, as well as some members of the faculty and staff, according to press releases from the school and the Montgomery County Health Department.
Although norovirus is suspected, public health officials of the Pennsylvania county wrote that the source of the illness has not yet been identified and that precautions should be taken to prevent potential foodborne or person-to-person transmission.
“The best way to prevent the spread of GI illness is to practice good hand hygiene and to thoroughly clean and disinfect all surfaces in common areas,” Valerie Arkoosh, MD, interim medical director of the Montgomery County Health Department (MCHD), said in a press 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.”
The first reports of illness began on Feb. 9, with students demonstrating diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain symptoms. MCHD has requested that all health care providers treating ill students conduct testing immediately, but according to the release a diagnosis may not be available for up to 1 week.
As of Feb. 11, Ursinus reports that 186 students, as well as several faculty and staff members, have displayed symptoms of the illness. According to a MCHD statement released earlier today, at least 30 of these affected students have also sought admission to local hospitals or other health care settings.
Ursinus has voluntarily shut its dining halls and other food services to allow for MCHD investigation and sanitization, school officials wrote in a statement. Classes and campus social events have been cancelled for the remainder of the week, and partnerships with local restaurants and businesses will provide meals to students.
“Ursinus’ first priority is the health and well-being of our students,” Brock Blomberg, PhD, president of Ursinus College, said in a statement. “We will continue to work closely with officials from the department of health and follow their recommendations.”