A common form of gastroenteritis known as the “norovirus” or “norwalk-like virus” has infected more than 100 members of the Villanova University community throughout the past week, resulting in an overwhelming number of student absences and hospital visits.

With symptoms that include vomiting, stomach pain, dehydration and even spells of unconsciousness, this disease has been especially prevalent among students living in the close quarters of residence halls.

In these close conditions, students have a difficult time avoiding the contagiousness of the disease.

Kaitlin Ryan, captain of Villanova EMS, reported that while the number of students calling for help has dwindled, it can be hard to tell exactly how many people have been infected.

“The worst night was when we had 18 calls, and 15 of those were virus-related,” Ryan said. “We had to ask Radnor [Fire Company] to help us transfer people to the hospital.”