So far, only two possible sources of contamination have been entirely ruled out. Tests by both Harvard and the city of Cambridge water department found the water in the Union and in first-year dorms to be clean.
In the Union, Harvard took samples and did cultures on 35 different food. Officials also took, according to Berry, "swipe tests... on everything imaginable," including dishes, utensils and counters.
By the end of the week, Berry said, the "numbers of [students eating in the Union] weren't seriously down."
Harvard officials patted themselves on the back for a rapid response to the epidemic. The response required the coordination of dozens of administrators and staff from at least five different departments.
"I'm exceedingly proud of my own staff," Berry said.
Rudenstine
Even more mysterious at this point is the exact medical reason for the president's leave. The University has said only that Rudenstine is tired, and, perhaps, works too hard.
Tests are continuing, but Vice President for Government, Community and Public Affairs James H. Rowe '73 has said Harvard will not release medical information on the president piecemeal. An announcement on Rudenstine's condition could be weeks off.
Speculation has been rampant as to what Rudenstine has. Chronic fatigue syndrome has been suggested by some, but the president has yet to say exactly what type of doctors he is consulting.
Acting President Albert Carnesale is taking his place. And this week, that meant spending a lot of time with the afflicted. He visited Rudenstine at his home, and dropped by UHS on Wednesday to chat with sick students.
Carnesale didn't have time to attend the rising number of colds that are inevitable with the onset of winter. Temperatures dropped precipitously this week, with the thermometer dipping into the 20s.
"I'm miserable," said Sharon C. Yang '98. "I always get sneezing fits."
Bringing People Together
Some people always seem to see the good side of everything. In Harvard's cloud of illness, a few students found silver linings.
"We were all sitting in the UHS waiting room throwing up every few minutes for about two hours," said Lydia C. Johnson '98. "It was the greatest freshman bonding event."
Getting sick, of course, had some side benefits. "Yeah, I can deal with missing my math 1b exam," Johnson said.
Her experience at the health service will last. At UHS, Johnson said she made a friend. They saw each other again later in the week.
"[The girl came up to me and said], 'Oh, hi, how are you doing?'"