Photo gallery: Newly renovated South Quad at U-M

Students have been speculating that ground zero for an illness outbreak could be the dining hall at the recently renovated South Quad dormitory. 

(Ann Arbor News file photo)

University of Michigan officials are investigating a rash of student illnesses according to a report from the Michigan Daily. 

Students took to social media to share symptoms and quickly realized that their experiences may have been related.  Speculation on Twitter and anonymous social media app Yik Yak centered around the dining hall at the South Quad dormitory. 

Dr. Robert Winfield, executive director of University Health Services, told the Michigan Daily that approximately 20 to 25 students had been seen in the emergency room and health services clinic with symptoms that include vomiting and diarrhea.  The school is working with the county's health department to diagnose the illness and believe norovirus could be the cause.  Testing for the disease takes approximately five days to complete. 

The illness could delay the start of the Women's Big Ten Swimming and Diving Tournament, which was scheduled to begin Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.

"The University of Michigan campus has been notified of an illness linked to several community members, including members of the Michigan women's swimming & diving program," spokesman Brad Rudner said in a statement. 

"With the Big Ten Women's Swimming & Diving Championships held in Ann Arbor this week, the Big Ten Conference, University of Michigan athletic department and University of Michigan Health System are monitoring the situation throughout the day to assure Canham Natatorium is a safe environment for all competitors and spectators." 

[View the story "Norovirus hits University of Michigan students" on Storify] Norovirus hits University of Michigan students During an outbreak of the fast-spreading illness, students turned their ire to the school's dining faciliites Storified by MLive · Thu, Feb 18 2016 18:19:19 Haven't eaten in 36 hours, slept 16 hours straight, God I hate you South Quad and your damn norovirusronak patel @MichiganDining well I was reading the most recent food inspection report, and it doesn't seem too sanitary [?]  https://t.co/TpKBQguuAXtimberlee @Abbyvallie @UMich We are currently investigating the situation.  We appreciate and share your concern. Michigan Dining I have been sick sooo many times in college.  If there is a terrible virus going around I want to know.  What's the deal @UMich ? Ellyse Vogel People are passing out and vomiting at Squad and y'all aren't saying anything about it?  @UMich @MichiganDiningthablo thicasso @MichiganDining I've been eating at the dining halls for every meal and I've never felt healthier and happier! # northquad #bursely #EQ #SQCaleb Foote everyone is avoiding south quad like the plague... #norovirus @MichiganDining https://t.co/cIsR95VmSXSabrina Wong @MichiganDining too bad you can't see which dining halls are offering a "food poisoning free" option for dinner. Evan M. Viau Hey @MichiganDining , your food is currently making me puke my brains out I'd like to thank you for thatronak patel

Ben Freed is the education and entertainment reporter for The Ann Arbor News.  Email him at benfreed@mlive.com and follow him on twitter at @BFreedinA2.  He also answers the phone at 734-623-2528.