WHDH 7 News – by Dan HausleSOUTH BOSTON (WHDH) –Boston Health officials said 140 students and 10 staff members at Condon Elementary in South Boston have contracted the norovirus.
A robocall from the principal of the school went out yesterday saying that many had come down with the illness over the last few days.
“We believe this is norovirus – which is a highly contagious stomach virus with symptoms that include diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain that last, on average 1-2 days,” Robby Chisholm said on the call.
Boston Public Schools confirmed the incident started on Friday, extra custodial staff was brought in to clean the school on Monday and the health commission visited the school Tuesday.
“I think it’s a little bit worrisome; 140 kids getting sick. That’s a lot of kids,” Kenny Henderson, a parent, said.
Chisholm said the school would send home flyers about the norovirus and how the school would attempt to prevent further spread of the virus.
“If your student is home sick, he or she will need to stay home until they have had no symptoms for 24 hours. Norovirus is highly contagious and, much like the flu, symptoms can last for a few days,” Chisholm said.
The school was used as a polling place but city officials say children were kept away from the area and there’s no reason to believe voters were at risk.
If parent is worried their child might be sick they are asked to keep them home until they are symptom free for 24 hours.
http://www.whdh.com/story/27287035/highly-contagious-stomach-virus-confirmed-at-condon-elem