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Roberts Elementary School in Medford, Mass., remains closed after more than 130 students and staff members were sickened with what officials believe is norovirus
Health officials examined the school's kitchen and do not believe it is the source of the outbreak
A professional company was brought in to deep-clean the school
A school in Massachusetts remains closed for deep cleaning after an outbreak of the virulentnorovirus infectionhas sickened more than 130 students and staff members.
Roberts Elementary School in Medfordoriginally announcedthe closure on Dec. 10, explaining that "there were over 130 student absences at the Roberts today, with further students and staff reporting at school today feeling symptoms of an upset stomach."
"We believe the cause of this outbreak is related to the increased spread of suspected Norovirus," the statement read.
As a result, the school would be closed the following day, Dec. 11; That's when Suzanne B. Galusi, Interim Superintendent of Medford Public Schools, and Michelle Crowell, Roberts Elementary Principal, sent anothercommunicationthat the school would remain closed for a second day due to additional cases of suspected norovirus.
"More families have informed building and district leadership in the last 24 hours of their child experiencing symptoms of a stomach bug. Additionally, at this time, over 20 staff members at Roberts have notified the district of experiencing similar symptoms. Student and staff attendance rates are normal across all other schools in the district, both yesterday and today," the statement read.
Roberts Elementary remains closed for an extended deep clean. School officials explained, "A professional company is currently performing a deep clean of the school today, which includes all classrooms, door knobs, kitchen equipment, and frequently touched surfaces. They will finish their deep clean later today."
The U.S. is at the beginning of a norovirus surge, with the virus at "high" levels in wastewater, according toToday,which reports that in the coming weeks, cases are expected to rise.
Norovirus — which can cause uncontrollable vomiting and diarrhea, along with stomach pain and nausea — commonly spreads in close quarters. Outbreaks frequently happen in dorms, schools and on cruise ships. An AIDA Cruises ship currently on a 133-day world tour with stops in the U.S., England, Mexico, Japan, and South Africa is dealing with an ongoingoutbreak of the virusthat has sickened more than 100 passengers and crew members.
The way it spreads is as nauseating as the virus itself: "You can get norovirus by accidentally getting tiny particles of feces (poop) or vomit in your mouth from a person infected with norovirus," theU.S. Centers for Disease Controlsays. "If you get norovirus illness, you can shed billions of norovirus particles that you can't see without a microscope. It only takes a few norovirus particles to make you and other people sick."
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That's why it also spreads so easilyvia food, when meals are prepared by an infected person who didn't correctly wash their hands. However, school officials shared that the cafeteria and kitchen were inspected by the Medford Board of Health & the Department of Public Health, and reported that the outbreak "is not related to any school or kitchen equipment."
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The best way to curb the spread of norovirus is by washing your hands, the CDC says — and Roberts Elementary School officials reminded families of that in their letter. "The best way to avoid the spread of Norovirus is to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water; hand sanitizer is not effective," they wrote.
They also urged all students and staff to wait at least 24 hours after experiencing "vomit-like symptoms" before returning to school. The letter concluded, "Maintaining a safe and clean learning environment for our students and staff is our top priority, and we thank you for your understanding."
Read the original article onPeople
