More than 100 students staying in accommodation at the University of Canterbury have become unwell overnight during exam season, with claims the illness was brought on by food poisoning.
Students at University Hall have linked the sickness to the chicken meal they ate yesterday evening, with those 1News spoke to saying everyone who ate it has become unwell. Residents at the hall who skipped the meal did not become ill.
One student said he was “severely affected” by illness during a “very important” engineering exam.
“I had to leave for the bathroom within the first 45 minutes.”
Another said she was up until 3am throwing up and only got a few hours sleep before a big exam.
“One of my mates was sitting on the toilet while throwing up into the disabled shower.”
The University of Canterbury said it was advised several students at University Hall and Ilam Student Accommodation became unwell overnight.
“This is of course concerning to us, and we are working closely with the National Public Health Service to investigate the cause of the illness, which includes a visit by Public Health staff to University Hall to test a small sample of students,” director of people, culture and campus life, Paul O’Flaherty, said.
“While affected students appear to be recovering well today, we have recommended they keep their fluids up, maintain careful handwashing practices, and check the Health New Zealand website for information and advice.”
Have you become unwell from the chicken meal? Contact news@tvnz.co.nz
He said students had been directed to UniLodge for any support they might require, including a free electrolyte mix, bottled water, and packaged meals.
Canterbury University began their end of year exam period last Tuesday.
“Students unable to sit exams due to illness can apply for special consideration and may be offered a resit for exams in the next couple of weeks, which they will need to allow time for,” O’Flaherty said.
New Zealand Food Safety deputy-director general Vincent Arbuckle said it was working with the National Public Health Service to look into an “outbreak of illness”.
“As part of this we are working to establish the cause of the outbreak, including possible food and non-food sources.”
Te Whatu Ora, and UniLodge have been contacted by 1News for comment.
