Approximately 40 Rider University students were taken to hospitals last night with symptoms of a gastrointestinal illness, school officials said today.

A university spokesperson told News 12 New Jersey no other students or faculty members have displayed similar symptoms today. The spokesperson also said as of this morning, all but one of the 40 patients treated were released from the hospital.

Authorities believe the cause of the illness is the Norovirus, an outbreak of which they say began a week ago at Princeton University, Rider officials said in a news release posted on the school website.

Princeton University officials confirm about 100 cases of what's believed to be Norovirus since Jan. 29.

Rider says it is working with its food service and custodial contractors to ensure proper precautions are being taken across the Lawrenceville campus.

Rider University