Western Connecticut State University in Danbury closed its doors Monday, April 23, following an illness that affected about 100 students.
John Clark, the president of Western Connecticut State University in Danbury, says he consulted with state, local and university health officials before making the decision. He says the decision was made “to protect our university community from infection and spread of the disease.”
It is still unclear what is making the students sick, but about 100 have come down with symptoms of stomach cramps, vomiting, and diarrhea. School officials have confirmed, however, that it is not E. Coli.
According to WFSB, on Friday, April 20, there were 40 students with the symptoms. University officials said they were doing a deep cleaning of the school, sanitizing and disinfecting both campuses. However, over the weekend, the number of students with similar symptoms grew to 100.
The University made the decision to shut down and has recommended that students go home, if possible, and if they fall ill, stay in their room to prevent the spread of the disease.
They are still deciding whether or not classes will remain canceled through Tuesday.
WCSU has two campuses in Danbury and approximately 5,700 students.