A possible norovirus outbreak led to the closure of Wilson Middle School in Wyandotte, with the Wyandotte Public Schools district saying there will be no classes or after-school activities on Wednesday. The highly contagious virus, which causes stomach inflammation, was suspected after several students became ill around lunchtime on Tuesday, as per CBS News Detroit.
Superintendent James Anderson issued a warning in his letter to parents, stating that "While we initially investigated a potential link to the food, the Health Department, which was contacted to investigate, has advised us that they do not believe the illness is food-related," according to The Detroit News. Officials at the school, saying norovirus may be the cause, have instructed maintenance staff to fully disinfect the building.
Norovirus is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the United States and can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The CDC recommends handwashing and thorough cleaning to help prevent its spread, noting that about 1 in 15 people nationwide get the virus each year, especially in group settings such as schools. FOX 2 Detroit reports that a school closed for cleaning because of a possible outbreak, and it is not yet clear how long the closure will last or how many people have been affected.
