44 cases of gastrointestinal illness at University of Regina

Dozens of people at the University of Regina (U of R) campus have come down with some kind of gastrointestinal illness, but the cause is still unknown.

Symptoms include vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever, chills and muscle aches.

Darren Cherwaty is the director of health, safety and wellness at the U of R.

“We have 44 cases to date that are reporting similar symptoms. We’re working very closely with public health to determine the root cause,” Cherwaty explained.

He says they started getting reports of illness on Friday and immediately notified public health.

The university has closed the health and wellness centre because it is a high-contact area. Cherwaty says the custodial staff also increased cleaning protocols on high contact surface areas using a different type of cleaning product that was recommended by public health.

All university food services are still open, but they are not using buffets in order to reduce contact surfaces.

“We’re trying to be as proactive as we can without knowing where the cause is exactly at this point from public health,” Cherwaty explained.

Students and staff members are being told to stay home for at least two days after recovering from symptoms and three days if they work in food services.

“Public health is collecting clinical samples from these individuals who have had the illness and we’re waiting for the lab diagnostics, in essence, to confirm what it might be,” Cherwaty said.

At least one person went to the emergency room, but Cherwaty said they don’t know if that person was admitted to the hospital or not.

He says the university is encouraging anyone with symptoms to report them. The university is also communicating information to everyone on campus online and by posting signs in the buildings.

You can find more information at uregina.ca.