North campus illness before spring break not connected to dining
A spike of flu-like symptoms on north campus the week before spring break has caused some concern.
Since the group of affected students were all from the same area on campus and shared the Robinson Residential Restaurant, a food-borne illness was considered. But after an investigation, the problem was not deemed food-related at this time, said Scott Jones, environmental health supervisor for Central Michigan District Health Department.
“There was no indications that it was a food-borne illness,” he said. “Health services had an increase over a period of time with flu-like symptoms that are also similar in food-borne illness.”
University Health Services reported seeing six students with flu-like symptoms, each from a different residential hall, said Director of Public Relations Steve Smith. But a resident assistant saw four just on his floor.
Through interviews and discussion, it was decided that testing for the possibility of a food-borne illness would not be necessary. No common ground between similar food and time at the dining hall was found, Jones said.
But the situation is still under watch.
“It’s not dead in the water. We are monitoring it right now,” Jones said.
All in one night
Zack Benezette, resident assistant for the terrace floor of Larzelere Hall, said he had four students on his floor that were really sick for about two days, throwing up throughout the night.
“All in one night, they all got sick,” the Lansing junior said. “One or two days later, they all just got better after being really sick.”
Benezette said the four students had the same symptoms and, once they were better, no one else got sick.
Jones said the situation is not uncommon at the end of flu season. It also could be caused by a norovirus, which could come off anything students come in contact with, including doorknobs, food or other surfaces.
Dr. Penalope Cook, associate director of medical services for University Health Services, said there was an uptick in nausea, vomiting and diarrhea March 2, 3 and 4, but then did not see anything March 5.
“Had this had been a food-borne thing, there would have been a lot more kids sick,” she said. “It was probably just from people not washing hands.”
