UPDATE: February 23, 2:21 p.m.

Liberty University and the Virginia Department of Health released the following joint press release regarding the illness outbreak on campus:

With the increased number of gastrointestinal illnesses on campus, there is an ongoing investigation for the cause of the illness. Collaborative efforts between Liberty University, Virginia Department of Health, the City of Lynchburg, and community partners are actively working to provide more information. Liberty University asks each member of the LU community to please take preventative measures such as handwashing, sanitizing, and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces and objects. Also, avoid close contact with those who have symptoms. Our priority is to keep each member of our LU community healthy and safe. We ask that if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, please isolate in your residence.

At this time, the Virginia Department of Health has not identified any issues with Liberty University dining facilities and is not recommending the closure of any dining facilities.

What you can do if you are experiencing any gastrointestinal symptoms:

  • Please maintain hydration. Drink substances like Gatorade, Pedialyte or water.
  • If symptoms worsen, please seek care at either Student Health Center Monday-Thursday 8-6 pm and Friday 8-5 pm, Walk in Care Wards Road 8-5pm 7 days a week, or after hours at the Emergency Room.
  • Please call 911 or 434-592-3911 if you are needing emergency care.

Original report: February 23, 2:06 p.m.

According to reports, a health-related outbreak is affecting students at Liberty University, with some having visited the Centra emergency room with a variety of symptoms accompanying an illness.

Liberty University reportedly sent a campus alert to notify students.

The Virginia Department of Health is reportedly investigating the outbreak.

The Times Virginian has reached out to public communications personnel at Liberty University, the Virginia Department of Health and Centra Health to confirm the reports, but has not yet received a response. The story will be updated when more information is provided.

Find out more in the upcoming issue of the Times Virginian newspaper. Pick up a copy or subscribe at www.timesvirginian.com/subscriber_services to view the full article in the e-edition version.