Dozens of children who attend an elementary school in Arlington, Virginia, spent Thursday at home sick.
It's the second day in a row that more than 80 students at Oakridge Elementary School have been absent because they have stomach aches, fever, vomiting and, in some cases, diarrhea -- all symptoms consistent with norovirus, school officials said.
In just one hour, News4 met three parents who were at the school picking up their kids because they received a call from the school nurse.
"I just got a phone call from the clinic that his stomach is not feeling well," said parent Dorothy Blagrove.
"I actually had one home sick yesterday," said Katie Fudd, who was back at the school Thursday.
A spokesperson for Arlington Public Schools said having more than 80 children absent from Oakridge Elementary is far from the norm. Health officials are testing for norovirus and disinfecting surfaces, the spokesperson said.
Arlington Public Schools sent a letter home with students Thursday urging parents not to bring their children to school if they show any symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain and cramping and fever.
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"Even if they feel okay on the morning of school, they are still able to spread the illness to others," the letter said.
Children should also wash their hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and warm water, officials said.
