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News & Notes: 65 students contract gastroenteritis

Sixty five students have come down with gastroenteritis this month, University Spokesperson Martin Mbugua said. The number of gastroenteritis cases this month is on track to rank as the third lowest since 2006, he added.

Gastroenteritis involves the inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It includes symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

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The University experienced outbreaks of the virus in recent years. In February 2012, a record-breaking 275 students checked into McCosh Health Center with the illness. Last year saw 115 cases in January and February.

Although norovirus caused the 2012 and 2013 outbreaks, a milder virus was responsible for most of this month's cases, Mbugua said.

Janelle Tam ’17, who contracted the illness on Feb. 13, said University Health Services workers who treated her seemed much more concerned about meningitis than gastroenteritis.

"They would continually check me to see if my neck was stiff or to see if I had any rashes," she said.

February is typically the busiest month for gastroenteritis, Mbugua said.

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