Mystery illness moves through residence halls

By Kevin Coffey
Editor in Chief

A gastrointestinal illness has been spreading through Creighton’s residence halls.

The illness, first reported Sunday, remains unidentified. The cause will not be known until laboratory test results are returned. Those with the illness have experienced nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps and diarrhea.

“They feel pretty rotten for a couple of days and then they start to get better,” said Deb Saure, director of Student Health.

Creighton’s Division of Student Services, Environmental Services and the Douglas County Health Department have been working together to respond.

Environmental Services employees have been deep cleaning to eliminate the illness.

“They walk up and down the halls disinfecting doorknobs,” said Katerina Anastasiou, Arts & Sciences freshman and Deglman Hall resident. “Our floor was the last to get sick.”

“On fourth floor, there was only one person who wasn’t throwing up,” added Nicole Lohaus, Arts & Sciences freshman and Deglman resident.

Saure said the best precaution against catching the illness is to constantly wash your hands. Additionally, sharing things like straws, utensils, drinks and food should be avoided. Even after starting to feel better, it is still possible to transmit the illness.

“Most illnesses like this one are transmitted from hand to mouth,” Saure said.

Those with the illness should stay in bed, get rest and drink fluids high in electrolytes and without caffeine, like Gatorade, and can call Student Health at 280-2735.