Mass Norovirus Infection at Lexington Elementary School on the Downturn: Report

LEXINGTON, MA – A mass norovirus infection at a Lexington Elementary School appears to be under control, according to a Lexington Minuteman report.

On Friday, more than 200 students at Bridge Elementary School called out sick because of the virus. Lexington Superintendent of Schools Mary Czajkowski told the Lexington Minuteman a cleaning crew was hired to disinfect the school over the weekend, and on Monday, 73 were out sick.

By 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, that number had dropped to 44, according to the Minuteman.

Czajkowski confirmed those numbers Tuesday night and said no cases had been reported at other schools.

>>>Read the full report from the Lexington Minuteman.

Norovirus can result in diarrhea, throwing up, nausea and stomach pain, as well as a fever in some cases, according to Rebecca Kelly, a nurse practitioner at CareWell Urgent Care in Lexington. The most worrisome side effect is dehydration, especially in the elderly and young children.

Kelly told Patch the spread of norovirus is especially common in schools, given students' hygiene practices and its highly contagious nature.

The sickness is transferred through saliva and feces, though any kind of contact can spread the virus, according to Kelly. It is not curable and usually lasts about 48 to 72 hours.

During that time, Kelly said remaining hydrated is the best method of treatment. And ensuring children practice good hygiene helps curb the spreading of the illness.

"Kids sometimes aren't taught very well to wash their hands properly," Kelly said. "[To prevent transmission] ensure that kids wash their hands properly and are doing it at the proper times, and have them wash their hands throughout the day as well."

Image via Patch Archive