Medford school cancels Thursday, Friday classes for ‘increased spread’ of norovirus outbreak
By Imani Clement, Mary Saladna
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MEDFORD, Mass. (WCVB) — A norovirus outbreak will keep a Medford, Massachusetts, elementary school closed for a second day on Friday, the city’s school district announced.
According to a statement from Roberts Elementary, there was a large number of stomach illness cases reported at Roberts Elementary School on Wednesday. Classes were canceled for Thursday, and officials announced Thursday afternoon that classes would not be held on Friday.
“Due to a high number of students and staff members continuing to experience symptoms as a result of the suspected spread of Norovirus at the Roberts Elementary School, there will be no school again for students and staff at the Roberts on Friday, Dec. 12. All other schools in the district will have school,” said Will Pipicelli, communications director for Medford Public Schools.
The school said more than 130 students and staff members were absent from class on Wednesday, with more students and staff members reporting upset stomach symptoms while in the school building.
While the building is closed, a professional company will deep-clean the school.
The school’s cafeteria equipment will also be inspected by the Medford Board of Health to rule out other potential causes.
“Often it’s person to person spread, but it can be food borne, and if you have an outbreak this large, you do have to ask yourself, ‘Did a lot of people eat the same thing?'” said Dr. Shira Doran, Tufts chief infection control officer.
The school said it will share plans later in the school year to make up for the canceled days.
Norovirus is a contagious illness that where the affected usually experience sudden symptoms like vomiting. According to the Centers for Disease Control, norovirus is the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea and foodborne illness in the country.
All other schools in the Medford Public Schools district will continue with classes as usual on Thursday.
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