Toronto Public Health has confirmed that norovirus was the cause of students falling ill at Humber College’s North Campus.

TPH confirmed what the mysterious illness was after two of the students who were ill tested positive for the virus.

“Today, TPH has received laboratory results that confirm norovirus in the stool samples from two ill cases,” Dr. Michael Finkelstein, the city’s associate medical officer of health, told CP24 in an email. “These laboratory results are consistent with the signs and symptoms that have been reported.”

More than 200 students at the campus have been affected by the illness since Thursday. In total, 40 students visited the emergency room while suffering from abdominal pain and vomiting, but only one of those students was actually admitted to the hospital.

On Monday, Humber College said in a news release that it is working diligently to ensure that the number of students falling sick is not increasing.

The college said that approximately 75 per cent of students who were sick are reporting that they are now feeling better. However, the college has not yet confirmed this number with Toronto Public Health, which has been investigating this situation since Friday.

Originally, the illness was believed to be food poisoning but officials now believe the symptoms are consistent with a seasonal norovirus.

The college said it is rigorously cleaning and disinfecting the campus.

“Cleaning staff have been working at the North Campus throughout the weekend, cleaning high-touch and common areas with products specifically designated to kill norovirus,” Humber said in a news release.

As well, a nursing station has been set up in residence for any students who might require medical attention.

The college also said that it has disposed of all open food from last week as a precaution. Additionally, all self-serve food, such as salad bar items, is not available until further notice.

Anyone who is feeling ill at the campus is encouraged to follow these steps:

  • Stay home until you have been symptom free for 48 hours
  • Wash your hands well suing soap and warm water for at least 15 seconds before preparing food and after using the bathroom
  • Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration
  • Avoid preparing food for others