About 140 students and 10 staff members at Condon Elementary School in Boston have been sickened with suspected norovirus this week, according to CBS Boston. The principal of that school sent a message to parents Tuesday, telling them about the outbreak.
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus. Outbreaks typically increase in the colder months, when more people spend more time indoors. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach and abdominal pain. The illness usually lasts for a few days.
Teams were cleaning the school to try to stop the spread of the illness. Officials are asking parents to keep their children home from school if they are ill, and to keep them home until they have been completely symptom-free for 24 hours.
To prevent the spread of norovirus, always wash your hands after using the bathroom and changing diapers. Don’t put your fingers or hands in your mouth after you have touched surfaces in public places. Don’t prepare food or drink for anyone if you are sick, and always wash hands with soap and water before preparing food for others. And stay home if you have any type of diarrheal or vomiting illness. Norovirus sickens more than 20 million people in the United States every year and is the leading cause of GI illnesses.
