EAST LANSING, Mich. — MSU officials are warning about a virus that is affecting those on campus and the surrounding community after multiple reports have been received about people experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, according to an email that FOX 47 News obtained.
The email was sent to MSU faculty, students and staff on Thursday, Jan. 16.
The email said the symptoms that are being reported usually lasts one to three days and typically go away without medical attention.
In the email, the university said, "at this time, there is no reason to believe the illness is foodborne." In the email, the university also said the Ingham County Health Department is aware of the cases reported at MSU and is monitoring the situation.
FOX 47 News reached out to the health department to see how many cases could be traced back to East Lansing and/or MSU's campus and over how long of a period of time, but we did not get a response on Thursday.
Dan Olsen, an MSU spokesman, released a statement to News 10 regarding the warning.
"On our end, we are encouraging the MSU community to practice proper hand hygiene to help protect themselves and others, and avoid unnecessary contact with others if they are experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms. In addition to sharing important preventative practices and information with our faculty, staff and students, the university is taking a number of precautionary measures, including changing out self-service utensils in our residence halls and dining facilities and sanitizing common areas and touchpoints every half hour.”
The university said students showing symptoms and needing care should contact the Olin Health Center at 517-353-4660 to schedule an appointment.
The university said faculty and staff who believe they are sick should not come into work and should contact their health care provider.
For those who are experiencing symptoms or have been diagnosed with gastroenteritis, the university said to rest and drink plenty of fluids.
For any questions, please contact the Office of the University Physician at 517-353-8933 or Email uphys@msu.edu.
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