February 15, 2016
The cause of a mystery illness that swept through Ursinus College last week sickening more than 200 students and staff members while closing the cafeteria and canceling classes has been identified as Norovirus.
According to a press statement from the Montgomery County Health Department, which has been working hand-in-hand with the college to find the root of the illnesses, has confirmed the presence of Norovirus infection in medical tests of affected students.
“The health department has been constantly tracking the surveillance systems in place, and today received confirmation from Phoenixville Hospital that results of tests on two students from Ursinus College confirmed the presence of Norovirus,” the statement said.
According to Web MD, Norovirus is highly contagious with symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration. There are 23 million cases of norovirus annually in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
At Ursinus College, classes resumed and the cafeteria reopened Monday.
