Michael Schramm is a student at University of MI and a USA TODAY College digital producer.
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– Local and regional food suppliers are rallying to help feed Ursinus College students after an unknown stomach illness has sickened at least 174 students.
The college, which will resume classes on Monday, will remain open and provide essential services although students are free to leave campus. “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”. But health inspectors found no issues there, so the dining hall has reopened.
Since the virus, which causes prolonged vomiting and has sent dozens to emergency rooms and urgent care centers, struck the campus on Tuesday afternoon, 192 students have reported symptoms.
“Ursinus’ first priority is the health and well-being of our students”, Brock Blomberg, PhD, president of Ursinus College, said in a statement.
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 college has been proactive in assisting county health officials in their investigation, officials said. “All of that has been completed and will continue with those cleaning and sanitizing efforts in all of those areas”.
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Lunch will be provided by Wawa and the Collegeville Italian Bakery at the school’s athletic center, and students can also eat at five local restaurants, The Pizza Stop, Rocco’s, Franco’s Pizza Family Restaurant and Marzella’s Pizzeria, as well as the Italian Bakery, for dinner.
