Stomach bug forces college's dining operations to close

Local and regional retailers helped feed students at Pennsylvania-based Ursinus College Thursday after a stomach infection swept the campus early this week, forcing the school’s dining operations to shut down.

The norovirus outbreak affected 192 students—22 of whom were sent to the emergency room—leading the school to close its dining halls for inspection, cleaning and sanitation, according to the college’s website. A majority of the students had similar symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration.

Officials with the Montgomery County Health Department have yet to identify the illness or what caused it, and say test results could take up to a week.

Cafeterias were reopened Thursday evening after the health department gave clearance.

“Ursinus’ first priority is the health and well-being of our students,” Ursinus President Brock Blomberg said in a statement. “We will continue to work closely with officials from the Department of Health and follow their recommendations.”