Post by Graveyardbride on Dec 5, 2019 17:49:20 GMT -5
Illness Strikes More than 150 at Florida High School
UPDATE: At 10:05 p.m. last night (Dec. 5), it was learned more than 150 students and staff at Creekside High School had been stricken by an unidentified illness, believed to be a stomach virus.
WJAX News contacted nearby hospitals and asked if there had been an increase in stomach flu or other viral illnesses this week, but thus far, there have been no return calls.
The illness led to the cancellation of Thursday night’s Creekside Lady Knights basketball game.
Source: WJAX News.
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Eighteen students and a teacher at Creekside High School in St. Johns County, Florida, were suddenly stricken with what appears to be a stomach virus. According to spokesperson Christina Langston, the illness isn’t believed to be food-related.
Lisa Gavin told News4Jax she picked up her daughter, who is a sophomore, after the girl complained of stomach problems shortly after arriving at school Thursday morning. “There was a line of parents picking up their kids and the nurse’s room was filled with children,” Gavin said. “I had 10 people in front of me picking up kids and that was at 11 o’clock this morning.” She is convinced there are many more than 19 people ill. “I started hearing from other parents it was rampant,” she continued. “I was hoping they close the school tomorrow to clean it and sanitize it.”
As soon as they got home, her daughter began vomiting. “I’m just hoping that it’s a 24-hour bug,” Gavin remarked. “She’s always healthy. It’s very alarming.” The mother also noted the sickness couldn’t have come at a worse time because finals are coming up. “I can see how kids are pushing it,” she added.
Norovirus, often referred to as a “stomach bug,” is an extremely contagious virus that causes symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, nausea and stomach pain, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Because norovirus infections spread rapidly, locations such as schools and day cares are particularly at risk for outbreaks because of increased person-to-person contact.
To prevent illness, the CDC advises people wash their hands with soap and those who are sick should remain at home as long as they are ill and two days after symptoms subside.
The school district offers the following guidelines for parents who are unsure if they should keep their children at home:
• Fever greater than 100° F
• Chills
• General tiredness or not feeling well
• Congestion or croup-sounding cough
• Nasal congestion with frequent nose-blowing
• Vomiting – even if only once
• Diarrhea
• Stomach pain accompanied by repeated vomiting or diarrhea. (If your child complains of stomach pain for several days, you should contact a physician.)
Sources: Corley Peel, WJXT, December 5, 2019, and WJAX, December 5, 2019.
