More than 150 students sick at University of Guelph, says public health

More than 150 cases of gastroenteritis have been reported at the University of Guelph.

Dr. Nicola Mercer, the medical officer of health for Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health, added those are only the cases they know about.

“Which actually, probably, means we have a lot more,” she told CTV News Thursday.

Symptoms of gastroenteritis include vomiting and diarrhea.

The most common cause is the Norovirus.

“We haven’t identified the virus yet but we’re pretty sure it’s Norovirus. It looks like it, it’s behaving like it, the epidemiology, the spread,” said Mercer. “When it hits, it hits really hard.”

Symptoms can last anywhere from 12 to 24 hours.

“This virus, it’s nasty,” explained Mercer. “Anything that you’re touching, handrails, taps when you’re washing your hands. And then you may be accidentally touching your eye, your mouth. You’re bringing it into your body. It doesn’t take much to make you sick.”

Sixty cases of gastroenteritis were reported by Wednesday and at noon on Thursday, there were between 120 and 130. Hours later, the total number of confirmed cases had increased to 150.

“It could climb substantially,” Mercer said. “We know it’s continuing to spread. We can see that.”

The school confirmed to CTV News on Wednesday it was dealing with a “cluster of illness,” primarily in South Residence, although other cases were also reported off campus.

The University of Guelph said it is working with Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health to mitigate the virus’ spread.

“We’ve initiated, expanded and enhanced cleaning measures,” Melinda Scott, the school’s vice-provost of student affairs, said. “Our custodial staff have initiated enhanced cleaning measures in all of our washrooms, our common area, frequently touched surfaces, doorknobs, water fountains, etc.”

But that may not be enough to stop the spread.

“The problem with this virus is it’s a little bit hard to kill,” said Mercer. “If it ever got into your home, for example, normal household cleaners actually don’t kill this particular virus. The university is using all the appropriate products, we’ve sent our infection and control team on [Wednesday] to make sure they’re doing all the appropriate cleaning.”

Students are urged to wash their hands frequently, but Mercer warned most commercial hand disinfectants won’t be strong enough to kill the virus.

While a few students have gone to the hospital, none were admitted for further medical care.

Mercer said students should go to Student Health Services or their local emergency department if their symptoms worsen, especially if they’re having difficulty breathing, standing or experience bloody diarrhea.