An elementary school in Alexandria, Virginia closed last week after more than 200 students and 30 staff members were sickened with gastroenteritis symptoms. Local health officials believe the cause is norovirus, which is easily spread and very contagious.
The school was closed on March 14, 2014 for cleaning and to have all shared surfaces disinfected. The school sent a letter to parents to tell them that some students experienced nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea on Wednesday, but when many more students became ill, they decided to close on Friday.
The school was cleaned with a bleach and water solution, and the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems were turned off. HVAC units filters will be changed as part of the cleaning process.
To help prevent the spread of norovirus, public health officials remind parents that children should be coached on handwashing with soap and water, which is the most effective way to prevent the spread of the virus. And any child or adult who is ill with vomiting or a diarrheal illness should not return to school until they are free from symptoms for at least 24 hours to prevent further spread of the illness.
