The Minnesota Department of Health is investigating an outbreak of norovirus at a school in Southern Minnesota. Hundreds of teachers, staff, and students called in sick with a stomach illness this past week.
About a third of elementary and junior high students were out sick at Sibley East in Gaylord, Minnesota. Officials ask anyone who is still ill to stay home for 24 hours after they recover so they don’t shed the virus around others.
Hand-washing is crucial for stopping the spread of this virus. Staff cleaned the school on Wednesday, the self-service food line was shut down, and students were told to not pass food in classrooms or share food with each other.
The final test results should be released in two weeks. If you have questions, call the Minnesota Department of Health at 1-507-344-2717 or 1-877-676-5414.
