Wyandotte Public Schools’ Wilson Middle School is closed Wednesday, Nov. 19, amid a potential norovirus outbreak.
The contagious infection that causes vomiting and diarrhea may have spread among students, prompting the district to close the school Nov. 19 as local health officials investigate, according to a letter obtained by the Free Press.
Here’s a closer look at what common symptoms the stomach bug presents, and how to prevent the spread of norovirus.
What’s happening at Wilson Middle School in Wyandotte?
Wilson Middle School, part of Wyandotte Public Schools, is closed Nov. 19 due to a potential norovirus outbreak, the school said in a Nov. 18 post on its Facebook page. Classes and after-school sports and activities are all canceled for the day, the post said.
As local authorities investigate the health contamination, the district encourages parents watch their children’s symptoms and keep them home from school until they have recovered, per a letter seen by the Free Press.
What are common symptoms of norovirus?
Here are some common symptoms of norovirus:
What is norovirus?
Norovirus is a group of viruses that causes acute gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach or intestines, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Norovirus is common and highly contagious and is the leading cause of vomiting, diarrhea and foodborne illness nationwide, the CDC said.
Who is at risk for norovirus?
People of all ages can catch norovirus. Children under 5 years old, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to get severe infections, per the CDC.
How can you prevent the spread of norovirus?
Here are steps to prevent the spread of norovirus in Michigan this season:
How long does norovirus last?
People who fall ill with norovirus typically recover within one to three days, the CDC noted. However, the individual can still spread the virus for a few days after.
USA TODAY contributed.
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Potential norovirus outbreak closes Wyandotte middle school. What to know
Reporting by Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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