Classes and weekend activities have been canceled at Ursinus College in eastern Pennsylvania as the school deals with a mystery illness that has sickened more than 190 students.
University spokeswoman Esme Artz says at least 192 students have reported symptoms of a stomach infection. She says Friday's classes were canceled "out of an abundance of caution" but will resume Monday.
She says a handful of faculty and staff has also reported symptoms.
The school's dining hall was closed after students began complaining of vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain Tuesday night. But health inspectors found no issues there, so the dining hall has reopened.
At least two students were admitted into the emergency room and two more were taken to Einstein Medical Center-Montgomery early Thursday.
The school is working with Montgomery County health authorities to try to determine whether the ailment is foodborne or transmitted from person to person. Officials said it’s common for gastrointestinal illnesses – such as Norovirus – to circulate in colleges in winter.
"Ursinus' first priority is the health and well-being of our students," President Brock Blomberg said in a statement. "We will continue to work closely with officials from the Department of Health and follow their recommendations."
According to the college, health officials estimate it could take a few days to determine the cause of the outbreak. Dining areas are expected to undergo “a complete cleaning and sanitization.”
Ursinus has partnered with Wawa, Wegman's, local pizza shops and a bakery to provide food while the cafeterias are closed.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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