Contagious Virus Closes North Andover Middle School

The North Andover Middle School Closed will be closed on Friday, December 5, because of a contagious virus.

More than 200 North Andover Middle School students have symptoms consistent with the Norovirus, according to town and school officials. Testing was conducted at the school, and submitted to the state lab for a definitive diagnosis.

According to Superintendent Kevin Hutchinson, the large number of students experienced a contagious stomach virus on Thursday, particularly in the seventh grade. Viruses are typically transmitted directly by an infected person or by touching a contaminated person.

North Andover public health officials recommended that the school be closed on Friday. All activities planned at the middle school will be relocated or postponed.

The North Andover Youth Center will be closed on Thursday and Friday. There will be no dance at the middle school on Friday night.

All other schools in North Andover will be open on Friday.

The school will undergo a thorough cleaning per the guidelines of the Centers of Disease Control, according to the superintendent. All surfaces will be disinfected.

People are typically contagious when they begin to feel sick, and for about 72 hours. Children experiencing vomiting are are risk for dehydration and should be encouraged to drink plenty of fluids. The best way to prevent the virus from spreading is good handwashing.

“Please keep your student home from school until they have no symptoms for at least 24 hours to prevent the spread of this virus.” Hutchinson said.

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