Norovirus Suspected in 100 Illnesses at Elementary School
Seven teachers also out sick
NBC Local Media
An up-close view of Norovirus.
More than 100 students from a Fairfax County, Va., school stayed home Friday, possibly because of a norovirus outbreak.
The students from Willow Springs Elementary School complained of gastrointestinal problems, according to a Fairfax County Public Schools spokesperson.
Seven teachers also were out sick Friday.
The school will be cleaned over the weekend.
The D.C. Department of Health is investigating a possible norovirus outbreak at Howard University, and about 85 cases were reported by students at The George Washington University earlier this month. One case also was reported at Henderson Elementary School in Montclair, Va.
Norovirus usually is not serious and most patients recover within two days. It can be serious for young children, the elderly and people with existing health conditions.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, norovirus has the following common symptoms:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Stomach cramps
Less common symptoms include:
- Low-grade fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- General sense of fatigue
It can also cause dehydration in patients who don’t drink enough liquid to replace fluids lost from vomiting and diarrhea. Symptoms of dehydration include:
- Decrease in urination
- Dry mouth and throat
- Dizziness when standing up
Dehydrated children also may cry with few or no tears and may seem unusually tired or fussy.
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