McDaniel College Sees Increase in Students Suffering from Stomach Illness

McDaniel College is extending the hours of its wellness center in response to a stomach condition that is impacting the campus.

Director of Media Relations for McDaniel College, Cheryl Knauer confirmed that in a 48-hour period, 40 students were showing symptoms of gastroenteritis. Knauer said some students have gone to the emergency room at Carroll Hospital Center but she is unsure how many.

Some students have suggested that the stomach illness is a result of food poisoning from the campus dining hall, according to The McDaniel Free Press, the school's student-run news publication. However, Knauer said that "there is no unified food source and this is not foodservice related."

In an email to the McDaniel community, Wellness Center Director Susan Glore said that the symptoms of gastroenteritis include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, decreased appetite, weakness and dehydration.

Glore said that the college is taking the situation seriously but that "there is no cause for panic."

The college is urging students and faculty to wash hands frequently and not to share personal items.

Calls to the Carroll County Health Department were not returned and Carroll Hospital Center would not comment on the number of people suffering with the stomach virus who have sought services at the emergency room.

Have you been hit with a stomach illness recently? Tell us in comments.