Eastern Pa. college says 47 have sought treatment for stomach ailment

An eastern Pennsylvania college is reporting that dozens of students have reported symptoms of a stomach ailment over the past few days.

Lafayette College said 47 students sought treatment at a health center and the emergency department at Easton Hospital over the weekend “for symptoms consistent with a contagious stomach virus.”

Lafayette’s director of health services, Jeffrey Goldstein, asked students, faculty and staff to respond to a health assessment online so officials can track the number of people with symptoms.

Last month, more than 200 students reported symptoms of a stomach virus at Ursinus College in Montgomery County, prompting cancellation of classes and activities.

Health officials later confirmed that norovirus was the cause of the ailment, which sent almost two dozen students to hospitals for treatment. None were admitted.