The Ottawa County Health Department has confirmed the recent illness at Hope College was caused by a norovirus.

Officials say there were 518 reported cases among students, faculty and staff since November 6th. The outbreak has since subsided with no new cases.

Initially tests came back inconclusive, but health officials described it as noro-like. Victims suffered symptoms similar to what many call the stomach flu.

Ottawa County Medical Director, Dr. Paul Heidel says this the largest single norovirus outbreak ever in Michigan.

Our original report was: Holland, Michigan Campus Hopes Norovirus Too Shall Pass

We do want to  correct one item there.  Hope is located in Southwest Michigan, not Eastern Michigan.  We’ve been there, but clearly not enough!