‘Mystery’ virus strikes nearly 200 students at a small Pennsylvania college

A mysterious stomach virus has struck 174 college students at Ursinus College in Collegeville, Pa.

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While the exact cause of the outbreak remains undiscovered, a common thread amongst patients seems to be eating at the on-campus dining hall. The suburban campus, located about 30 miles outside of Philadelphia, has closed its dining halls. The Montgomery County Health Department officials are conducting a thorough search of the campus kitchens. Friday classes were canceled.

According to USA Today, a representative from the MCHD stated that gastrointestinal illnesses commonly circulate in institutions like colleges this time of year.

Valirie Arkoosh, MD, interim medical director of the MCHD, in a joint release with Ursinus encouraged students and staff experiencing symptoms to be wary of dehydration and to seek medical care.

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