Mystery Illness Sickens 174 College Students

Students have been hospitalized as the school looks for a cause
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Feb 11, 2016 7:05 PM CST
Mystery Illness Sickens 174 College Students
More than 170 students have been sickened by a mystery illness that started Tuesday at Ursinus College in Pennsylvania.   (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

The number of students sickened by a mystery illness at Ursinus College in eastern Pennsylvania has risen to more than 170, the AP reports. College spokesperson Esme Artz says 174 students have shown signs of a stomach infection. Overnight, two students went to the emergency room, and two others were taken to a hospital Thursday morning. The school closed its cafeterias and snack bar after students began complaining of vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain Tuesday night.

Classes remain open, but weekend events have been canceled. The school is working with Montgomery County health authorities to try to determine whether the ailment is foodborne or transmitted from person to person. Ursinus has partnered with Wawa, Wegman's, local pizza shops, and a bakery to provide food while the cafeterias are closed. (More illness stories.)

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