U of G gastroenteritis outbreak slows

UPDATE: Public Health reported late Monday afternoon the number of self-reported cases is now 243.

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As of Monday afternoon there were 234 self-reported cases of gastroenteritis among University of Guelph students, suggesting the outbreak is slowing down.

The outbreak was first reported on Wednesday last week with 60 cases of gastroenteritis, or stomach flu, among U of G students on campus, primarily in South Residence. 

By Friday, the cases had climbed to 190, and Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health said norovirus was likely to blame. 

Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, stomach pain or cramping, and typically start 12 hours after exposure. Most cases among the students last between 24 to 48 hours. 

Over the weekend, only 22 new cases were reported to Student Housing, suggesting a decline in new cases since the week prior. 

The U of G said in a post it will reassess whether residence communities still need to refrain from larger-scale social programs, as they did last week. 

Per the University of Guelph, as of this afternoon, they have 234 self-reported cases (there has been no change in reporting of samples).

WDGPH said unless there are significant changes in the situation, this will likely be the last case count update.