Cause of Illness at Ursinus College Identified: Health Officials

COLLEGEVILLE, PA - Montgomery County health officials have identified the cause of the illness that sickened over 200 students, faculty and staff at Ursinus College.

In a news release, health officials said the cause of the illness is a Norovirus.

The health department has been constantly tracking the surveillance systems in place received confirmation from Phoenixville Hospital on Monday that results of tests on two students from Ursinus College confirmed the presence of Norovirus.

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“This is the agent we have suspected since this outbreak began,” Montgomery County Commissioner Valerie Arkoosh, a physician and interim medical director of the health department, said in the news release. “While the illness has been truly unfortunate, this has been a model of cooperation between the various health agencies and Ursinus. We will continue to be vigilant and work closely with Ursinus to focus on hygiene measures to reduce transmission.”

Ursinus officials have been notified.

The officials indicated that the college has followed all health department instructions and the illness is now expected to run its course.

College officials said there continues to be a significant decrease in students reporting symptoms since the illness was first reported Feb. 9. Aggressive cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting efforts will continue throughout the week with the help of additional custodial staff. Emergency custodial services will be available after hours.

“Members of the campus community who develop symptoms should continue to contact the Wellness Center,” Ursinus College Medical Director Dr. Paul Doghramji said in a statement. “Anyone who has been ill should follow CDC Guidelines to prevent the virus from spreading. This includes practicing good hygiene, avoiding well people for a few days, and cleaning clothes, linens, and contaminated surfaces.”

Classes resumed at the college on Monday after being cancelled due to the outbreak.