Primary school closes as norovirus sickens 136 students and staff

California health officials closed an elementary school in Long Beach after at least 136 students and staff reported symptoms of norovirus on Thursday, according to the city’s health department.

“Despite strict control measures, there has been evidence of continued transmission and as a result the school will be temporarily closed until Wednesday so that a thorough cleaning – an outbreak management strategy – can be carried out. fine,” the Long Beach Health Department said. told ABC News.

Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that is the most common cause of viral gastroenteritis, which is inflammation of the inner lining of the gastrointestinal tract, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Although it is often called a “stomach bug” or “stomach flu”, norovirus disease is not related to the flu.

All school and child care operations at Carver Elementary will remain closed Friday through Tuesday, the district said. The school will not be setting up virtual classes during its closure, but teachers are allowed to give students homework.

A health screening process will be in place when students return to school Wednesday morning, according to the district.

“Health officials have determined that this duration of closure is the most effective way to stop the spread of this common virus,” the Long Beach Unified School District said in a letter to families.

“Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes sudden vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal pain. Norovirus is mainly spread through direct and indirect contact with feces (poo) or vomit from a sick person” , said the Long Beach Department of Health and Human Services. in a letter to families.

Direct and indirect contact can include changing diapers, caring for or sharing food or utensils with a sick person, contact with contaminated areas, surfaces or objects, and then contact with their mouth or food before washing your hands, according to the health department.

Symptoms begin 12 to 48 hours after a person comes into contact with the virus and symptoms can last up to three days, health officials said.

Infected people are contagious as soon as they feel sick and can remain contagious for up to two weeks. There is no specific treatment for norovirus, however, drinking fluids is important to replace fluids lost through vomiting and diarrhea, according to health officials.

On Wednesday, parents were asked to notify the school of any students who continued to show norovirus symptoms and to keep those students home, the district said.

Parents should also monitor students and staff should self-monitor daily before going to school.

“Students and staff with norovirus symptoms should not go to school or work and should stay home until symptoms resolve AND you remain symptom free for 48 hours (72 hours for staff cafeteria),” the department said.