Self-reported cases of gastroenteritis at University of Guelph rises to 243

At least 243 people at the University of Guelph say they are sick as cases of gastroenteritis sweep through the school.

A gastroenteritis outbreak at the University of Guelph that has been tearing through student housing has now made more than 240 people sick.

“We’re now up to 243 cases. That’s a small increase from yesterday,” said Dr. Nicola Mercer, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph’s medical officer of health, in an interview with CTV News on Tuesday. “There’s probably others that were sick and stayed in their dorms or who didn’t ever report. But I think this is really good news that we’ve seen a slowing of the virus.”

The outbreak is believed to be linked to Norovirus, which involves symptoms that are far from pleasant.

“It is intense vomiting, really bad vomiting, as well as diarrhea, gastrointestinal stomach churning. You’re not feeling well at all,” said Mercer.

Most of the illnesses have been linked to South Residence, although other cases connected to the school have been reported elsewhere.

It’s not the way students envisioned the start to a new semester.

“I do have a friend working in residence who currently has it,” said student Jessica Filipovich. “I’ve heard it’s really bad there right now. They don’t have enough bathrooms for everyone.”

Other students are doing their best to take extra precautions.

“I was going to go to the gym this week. Now, I can’t do that,” said student Sinan Shana.

“One of my classes got cancelled,” said another student, Payton Maertens.

Containing the spread

Due to how easily Norovirus spreads, public health has been working with the university on enhanced cleaning protocols.

“This particular virus can be cleaned better with a bleach-based cleaner, not hand sanitizer and soap and water,” said Melina Scott, vice-provost of student affairs at the university. “We do have emesis bags that are available for students who have become ill, and in particular South Residence.”

Emesis bags are essentially barf bags.

For those living in residence, efforts continue to limit the spread.

“Right now, we’re not relocating roommates where individuals become ill. In part, because of those close quarters and, in part, because we also don’t want the illness to spread beyond where it’s currently located.”

Unless there are significant changes in the situation, the public health unit will not be actively pushing out case updates, as was done with COVID-19.

The reason, and hope, being that cases are resolved rather quickly.

As for infected students, they’re hoping the virus moves through them just as fast.