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Stomach Flu Plagues Clay County School
Health Officials Suspect Rotavirus Circulating At Elementary School
POSTED: Friday, February 26, 2010
UPDATED: 4:23 pm EST February 26, 2010
GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. -- More than 100 children are out sick Friday from Charles Bennett Elementary School and officials are trying to dispel rumors the school is closed.
Channel 4's Jim Piggott reported that dozens of students at the school have been out sick every day this week. Between those who stayed home or went home sick, a total of 137 students were out on Friday.
"The good news is that 625 students are here today continue their learning and moving forward," Principal Evelyn Chastain said.
Health officials believe it may be the norovirus -- a form of stomach virus -- that has circulated among students at the school all week.
County workers were at the school Friday wiping down classrooms, bathrooms, the cafeteria and hallways. They would do the same after classes on Friday and have the school thoroughly cleaned for Monday.
Chastain urges parents to allow their children to come to school unless they are showing symptoms.
"Unless your child has had an episode of vomiting, diarrhea or temperature within the past 24 hours, be here," Chastain said.
The county said Charles Bennett is the only school affected and the absentee rate is running about normal at all other Clay County schools.
The level of illness is especially troubling because the annual Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test will be administered in 10 days.
http://www.news4jax.com/health/22682456/detail.html
Health Officials Suspect Rotavirus Circulating At Elementary School
POSTED: Friday, February 26, 2010
UPDATED: 4:23 pm EST February 26, 2010
GREEN COVE SPRINGS, Fla. -- More than 100 children are out sick Friday from Charles Bennett Elementary School and officials are trying to dispel rumors the school is closed.
Channel 4's Jim Piggott reported that dozens of students at the school have been out sick every day this week. Between those who stayed home or went home sick, a total of 137 students were out on Friday.
"The good news is that 625 students are here today continue their learning and moving forward," Principal Evelyn Chastain said.
Health officials believe it may be the norovirus -- a form of stomach virus -- that has circulated among students at the school all week.
County workers were at the school Friday wiping down classrooms, bathrooms, the cafeteria and hallways. They would do the same after classes on Friday and have the school thoroughly cleaned for Monday.
Chastain urges parents to allow their children to come to school unless they are showing symptoms.
"Unless your child has had an episode of vomiting, diarrhea or temperature within the past 24 hours, be here," Chastain said.
The county said Charles Bennett is the only school affected and the absentee rate is running about normal at all other Clay County schools.
The level of illness is especially troubling because the annual Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test will be administered in 10 days.
http://www.news4jax.com/health/22682456/detail.html