Sodexo: Mono not spread via cafeteria cups

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Infectious mononucleosis, or “mono,” is making its appearance on campus. Contrary to social media-fueled rumors, however, students are not getting it from drinking glasses in the Caf.

“Mono is very common for college campuses,” Ida V. Moffat School of Nursing professor Jill Cunningham said.

Mono causes extreme fatigue, fever and a sore throat, and it can be transmitted by any exchange of bodily fluids. This includes sharing drinks, eating utensils and cosmetics.

Clean, unused Caf cups, however, are not a source of mono.

“There’s no way it could possibly be coming from this [Caf],” Sodexo general manager Brent Bolton said.

Bolton said that all plates, cups and utensils used in the Caf go through a “three stage” cleaning cycle that includes a combination of high temperatures and sanitizing chemicals. He said that the health department requires all cleaning water be heated to at least 180 degrees, and in the audits completed by the department it “hasn’t been a topic.”

Bolton said that the cleaning process, which is audited by Sodexo as well, takes care of any harmful bacteria or viruses on Caf equipment, both in the kitchen and in the dining room.

Sodexo area marketing coordinator Leigh Priecko said she thinks the rumor gained traction because the cups are often stuck together.