Medford School Cancels Classes Due to Illness Outbreak

A second school in Medford, Massachusetts, had to cancel classes this week following a stomach illness outbreak.

St. Joseph School reported that about 20% of its students were absent on Monday, leading to the decision to cancel classes on Tuesday and Wednesday “out of an abundance of caution,” as stated by Terrence Donilon, a spokesman for the Boston Archdiocese.

While the school noted there are no medical records confirming norovirus, they did mention that a “significant number of students were sent home” with symptoms consistent with a stomach bug, according to a letter sent to families.

The school plans to utilize this break to “deep clean and sanitize the school,” aiming to curb the spread of illness ahead of the holidays.

Classes are expected to restart on Thursday. The school advised, “If you or a family member is feeling sick on Wednesday morning, DO NOT send your child(ren) to school.”

This cancellation marks the second instance in the city where classes have been suspended due to illness within a week.

Roberts School had also canceled classes the previous Thursday and Friday after more than 130 students and staff reported symptoms like upset stomachs.

Norovirus is a highly contagious illness that typically brings on sudden symptoms, including vomiting. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, norovirus is the leading cause of vomiting, diarrhea, and foodborne illnesses in the United States.