Norovirus Outbreak at Bentwood Elementary School
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – Health authorities have confirmed a norovirus outbreak at Bentwood Elementary School, with a reported 95 cases over the past week.
Located in Overland Park, Bentwood Elementary is part of the Olathe School District.
The Johnson County Department of Health and Environment (JCDHE) confirmed that laboratory testing has identified two cases. The other cases are linked epidemiologically, meaning those affected experienced similar symptoms within the same timeframe and environment.
JCDHE is collaborating with school officials to monitor the outbreak and implement measures to prevent further transmission.
Norovirus, known for causing vomiting and diarrhea, is highly contagious and spreads rapidly in settings like schools where individuals are in close quarters.
To curb the spread, officials recommend frequent handwashing, thorough cleaning of contaminated surfaces, and staying home when feeling unwell. Anyone with norovirus symptoms should remain at home for at least 48 hours after symptoms cease.
According to the Olathe School District, Bentwood Elementary saw an uptick in absences related to similar symptoms starting on Thursday, Oct. 8. There was a professional development day on Friday, Oct. 9, which meant no students were present; however, that weekend, the district’s Operations team performed a deep cleaning as a precaution.
By Monday, Oct. 12, absences surged past the 10% mark, which prompted the district to contact JCDHE to assess whether the incidents constituted an outbreak.
The district continued routine cleaning while enhancing daily sanitation procedures, particularly for high-touch areas and high-traffic zones. On that Wednesday, students had a half-day, and they were off for the remainder of the week due to scheduled breaks, during which another deep cleaning was carried out.
During the break, two individuals tested positive for norovirus, leading JCDHE to declare an outbreak. They reported an additional 82 individuals showing similar symptoms from Oct. 8 to 14. A notification letter to Bentwood families was sent out on Monday, Oct. 19.
As of that same Monday, the district noted one individual was still absent with similar symptoms.
In their letter to families, school officials acknowledged that absence rates had been concerning in the previous week, but the situation has improved since then.
Officials confirmed that the school undergoes daily cleaning and disinfection using hospital-grade products effective against norovirus, particularly focusing on high-contact areas. They assured the community that JCDHE will maintain oversight and provide further guidance as necessary.
