February 10, 2016
School and health officials are trying to determine what illness has sickened 88 students at Ursinus College.
A joint press release from the college and Montgomery County issued Wednesday said the outbreak of a gastrointestinal illness has left a number of students experiencing symptoms including diarrhea, vomiting, dehydration and abdominal pain.
Of the 88 students affected, 22 have sought treatment at hospitals or urgent care centers.
Health officials are encouraging students who are suffering any of the aforementioned symptoms to seek medical treatment.
Currently, the Montgomery County Health Department is conducting interviews with students and employees to search for commonalities, and testing for both bacteria and viruses is taking place. Getting the results from that testing could take up to a week.
Ursinus' wellness center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and those experiencing symptoms can contact the center at wellness@ursinus.edu.
The college's emergency medical services are available 24/7. Those in need of immediate assistance should contact campus safety at 610-409-3333.
Officials say the best way to prevent the spread of the illness is by practicing good hygiene, such as washing your hands, as well as disinfecting common areas.
