Mystery illness sickens 174 students at MontCo college

    The number of students sickened by a mystery illness at Ursinus College in eastern Pennsylvania has risen to over 170.

    College spokeswoman Esme Artz says 174 students have shown signs of a stomach infection. Overnight, two students went to the emergency room, and two others were taken to a hospital Thursday morning.

    The school closed its cafeterias and snack bar after students began complaining of vomiting, diarrhea and stomach pain Tuesday night.

    Classes remain open, but weekend events have been canceled.

    • WHYY thanks our sponsors — become a WHYY sponsor

    The school is working with Montgomery County health authorities to try to determine whether the ailment is foodborne or transmitted from person to person.

    Ursinus has partnered with Wawa, Wegman’s, local pizza shops and a bakery to provide food while the cafeterias are closed.

    WHYY is your source for fact-based, in-depth journalism and information. As a nonprofit organization, we rely on financial support from readers like you. Please give today.

    Want a digest of WHYY’s programs, events & stories? Sign up for our weekly newsletter.

    Together we can reach 100% of WHYY’s fiscal year goal