The Bobster
Senior News Editor since 2004
http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/20...toms-of-stomach-infection-at-ursinus-college/
UPDATE: 88 Students Report Sickness At Ursinus College
February 10, 2016 3:10 PM By Jim Melwert
COLLEGEVILLE, Pa. (CBS) — The number of students at Ursinus College sickened by some sort of stomach bug now stands at 88.
No official cause has been determined, but health officials say symptoms are similar to those of the highly-contagious Norovirus. The college is taking precautionary action, including closing down parts of the cafeteria for cleaning.
Some students have been treated at area hospitals, with a handful suffering from dehydration, most getting medication to treat vomiting and diarrhea.
Dr. Paul Doghramji with Ursinus College Health Services says it appears to be what he calls a self-limited infection that runs its course in about 18-24 hours, so while it’s awful for anyone getting hit with this, it should pass.
“What makes this more concerning and newsworthy is that so many have been afflicted so quickly.”
He says they have not pinned down the cause, but he says one apparent common thread is that every sickened student appears to have eaten at the on-campus dining hall. But he adds they haven’t pinpointed if this is food-borne or person to person, or even person to food to person.
While there’s no official cause, the county health department says symptoms are similar to Norovirus. They are testing, but those results could take days or even a couple weeks.
UPDATE: 88 Students Report Sickness At Ursinus College
February 10, 2016 3:10 PM By Jim Melwert
COLLEGEVILLE, Pa. (CBS) — The number of students at Ursinus College sickened by some sort of stomach bug now stands at 88.
No official cause has been determined, but health officials say symptoms are similar to those of the highly-contagious Norovirus. The college is taking precautionary action, including closing down parts of the cafeteria for cleaning.
Some students have been treated at area hospitals, with a handful suffering from dehydration, most getting medication to treat vomiting and diarrhea.
Dr. Paul Doghramji with Ursinus College Health Services says it appears to be what he calls a self-limited infection that runs its course in about 18-24 hours, so while it’s awful for anyone getting hit with this, it should pass.
“What makes this more concerning and newsworthy is that so many have been afflicted so quickly.”
He says they have not pinned down the cause, but he says one apparent common thread is that every sickened student appears to have eaten at the on-campus dining hall. But he adds they haven’t pinpointed if this is food-borne or person to person, or even person to food to person.
While there’s no official cause, the county health department says symptoms are similar to Norovirus. They are testing, but those results could take days or even a couple weeks.