Close to 100 students at the University of Michigan have become ill and health officials at the university suspect its because of the highly contagious norovirus.
A spokesperson for the university says all but one of the sick students live in either the South Quad residence hall on East Madison or West Quad, which is across the street. Both dorms share the dining hall in South Quad.
The students have come down with something that is causing vomiting and diarrhea.
The school’s Chief Health Officer Dr. Robert Winfield says the sick students are being asked to stay in their rooms, which are being thoroughly cleaned. Food is also being brought to the students who are ill in dormitories and faculty members are assisting them with their academic needs.
The gastrointestinal illness was first reported around 7:00 pm on Monday.
"The university is taking all necessary precautions and has instituted special virus-related cleaning procedures in all dining facilities and all residence halls," read a statement posted online by the university. "Officials from the University Health Service, the U-M Health System, the Department of Community Health and Washtenaw County Public Health Department are collaborating in the management of these cases and remain in close communication."
Students are being advised to take precautions against getting sick, including vigorous hand washing.
Students we talked to say they are taking the precautions seriously.
