UPDATE: Total Sick Rises To 174 After Ursinus Outbreak

COLLEGEVILLE, PA -- An unknown illness has now sickened 174 students at Ursinus College, the school said Thursday.

All classes were cancelled Thursday afternoon and all-day Friday after the gastrointestinal outbreak sent dozens of students to the hospital or area urgent care centers, school officials said.

The illness was described as a stomach infection, and the symptoms included prolonged vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Symptoms appeared to diminish after around 12 to 18 hours, school officials said.

The school said they are working with the Montgomery County Health Department to investigate what caused the illnesses.

In the meantime, the school shut down all Dining Services across campus after being open with limited options for lunch. They said they would be sending information to students on meal alternatives via email sometime early Wednesday night.

Several businesses, including Wawa, Wegmans, and the Collegeville Italian Bakery, were working with the school to provide meals to students on Thursday.

“I encourage any students or staff experiencing symptoms including diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain to be particularly careful about dehydration and to seek medical care,” said Dr. Valerie Arkoosh, Interim Medical Director of the Montgomery County Health Department.

“The best way to prevent the spread of GI illness is to practice good hand-hygiene and to thoroughly clean and disinfect all surfaces in common areas,” Dr. Arkoosh added.

This is a developing story. Please check back for more information as it becomes available.