West Hartford School Closed Due To Viral Ilness, Cleaning Operation Underway: UPDATE

WEST HARTFORD, CT — A situation at a West Hartford elementary school has, literally, gone viral ... and not in a good way.

West Hartford school officials said Thursday a high preponderance of pupil norovirus illnesses has prompted officials to close Webster Hill Elementary School, 125 Webster Hill Blvd., for the day on Friday.

According to a note sent to the school community by Julio Duarte, assistant superintendent for administration, several students were sent home with what is known as the "stomach bug."

"Norovirus symptoms hit suddenly, usually within 12-48 hours of exposure, and primarily include vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and stomach cramps, often with fever, headache, and body aches, lasting 1-3 days," wrote Duarte. "The main concern is dehydration, so drinking fluids is crucial."

Duarte said officials consulted with the West Hartford-Bloomfield Health District, and it was agreed that the best action was to close Webster Hill, with all other schools staying open.

"This closure will allow us to proceed with our plan to sanitize the school, with special attention to the classrooms most significantly affected by illness," Duarte said in the announcement.

He said "common spaces" such as the gymnasium and cafeteria will also receive special attention.

"We are pleased to note that none of our cafeteria workers have displayed any symptoms to this point," Duarte said.

He said student safety was the main priority.

"We recognize the burden the closing may create for some families, but we are doing so in the best interests of children’s health and safety," Duarte said.

School officials said parents in the school community will receive updates about the progress at Webster Hill.