Students React To Stomach Illness Spreading At Ursinus College

COLLEGEVILLE, P.A., (CBS) -- At least 100 students have fallen ill at Ursinus College. Officials at the school say they are still working to track down the source of the sickness that is impacting so many of their students.

The college voluntarily closed down their cafeteria after students became ill with stomach-related ailments. Students also tell Eyewitness News that most of the evening events scheduled for Wednesday night have been cancelled.

"Been keeping to myself," said Temi Olafunmiolye, a Ursinus student. That's the sentiment echoed by many of the students on the campus of Ursinus college after a fast moving outbreak of gastrointestinal illness on campus.

"It was mostly vomiting, diarrhea and some people were coughing," she said. "One friend did have to go to the hospital and she just got treated today. My other friends, they were okay. Just had to get some rest."

"They started coming in more and more, 2 o'clock, 3 o'clock, 4 o'clock. So, by the time I got to the health center, the waiting room was full," said Ursinus College Medical Director Dr. Paul Doghrangi.

"By the end of the day, we're hoping that at least both of our dining facilities will be cleaned. We've also spent some special attention on residential areas," said Assistant Dean of Students Missy Bryant.

The stomach illness is carrying the same symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. For now the campus seems unusually empty, while students and staff try to contain and find the root of the mysterious outbreak.

"They're definitely keeping to themselves more," said student Karl Christoph of his fellow students.

"It was kind of scary because it seems so easily spread between people," Olafunmiolye expressed.