University of Guelph sees positive norovirus test as 190 report feeling ill

An Ontario public health official says they've detected norovirus among a group of 190 people reporting symptoms of gastroenteritis at the University of Guelph over the last week.

An Ontario public health unit has detected norovirus among a group of 190 people reporting symptoms of gastroenteritis at the University of Guelph over the last week.

Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health said that the positive norovirus sample arrived Friday, days after a wave of students started reporting gastroenteritis symptoms to the southwestern Ontario school.

"Our team is working closely with the University of Guelph to investigate the illnesses and manage the cases," Danny Williamson, a spokesperson with the public health unit, said in an email Saturday. 

Norovirus is highly contagious and often causes gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach lining and intestines that can lead to nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Those reporting such symptoms are primarily students on campus but some living off school grounds are also believed to be impacted, Williamson said.

"Those who have been affected appear to be recovering well and quickly," he added.

The first case of gastroenteritis the university was alerted to came Monday through a self-report, the school said in a statement on its website.