A Bentwood Elementary school norovirus outbreak in Kansas has sickened 97 children, staff, and others, according to news reports. The outbreak is over a few days after it was first reported. The case count included 95 students and staff, and two more family members of people associated with the school. Two cases had been confirmed by laboratory testing.
Norovirus is a very contagious virus that can be spread through contaminated food and drink, through contact with surfaces, and through person-to-person contact. Symptoms appear quickly after infection, and most people recover without medical attention. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Officials are reminding parents to keep their children home from school until they have been without symptoms for at least 48 hours. Washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before preparing food and eating, is the best way to prevent the spread of this virus.
People who are in high risk groups for complications from foodborne illness can require medical attention and may even need to be hospitalized. The reason for admission is usually dehydration.
The school has undergone deep cleaning after the first cases were reported in early October. But cases kept increasing and they reached the 10% threshold that triggers the involvement of the health department.
