Medford, Massachusetts, is on alert as a second school this week has shut its doors in the wake of a stomach bug outbreak that has left classrooms sparsely populated. St. Joseph School, a pre-K and K-8 institution, reported a significant absentee rate, approximately 20%, on Monday due to an onslaught of stomach illness symptoms among students, prompting the administration to cancel classes today, as reported by WCVB.
The recent closures echo a similar incident at Roberts Elementary School last week, where more than 130 students and staff members were absent, many reporting symptoms such as vomiting and upset stomachs which are indicative of a Norovirus infection. Norovirus, a highly contagious virus is the primary cause of vomiting, diarrhea, and foodborne illnesses across the nation according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In a proactive measure to contain any further spread of the illness, St. Joseph School has decided to take advantage of the unscheduled break to conduct a "deep clean and sanitize" of the facility, as stated in a letter to families obtained by WCVB. Although there is no formal medical confirmation of a norovirus outbreak in the school, the administration is taking no chances, with plans to resume classes tomorrow.
Terrence Donilon, Boston Archdiocese spokesman, advised caution for families connected to the school. "If you or a family member is feeling sick on Wednesday morning, DO NOT send your child(ren) to school," the school emphasized in a letter to families obtained by WCVB. The health of students and staff remains a priority as the schools grapple with this unexpected health scare, just ahead of the holiday season.
With enrollment standing at about 220 students St. Joseph School mirrors the concern that has swept through the city since the Roberts Elementary incident and parents have been urged to be vigilant and seek medical attention if symptoms arise in their households, as per MassLive.
