The kitchen at the school was closed as a safety measure, although the health department confirmed it wasn’t the cause of the outbreak.
GIG HARBOR, Wash. — An investigation is underway by the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department regarding a suspected norovirus outbreak that affected numerous students and staff at a Gig Harbor elementary school.
According to the Peninsula School District, multiple students at Discovery Elementary School exhibited symptoms of gastroenteritis on Thursday. The staff sent the affected students home and alerted the health department once the absences exceeded the reporting threshold.
On Friday, around 50 students were either absent or had been sent home, and staff members were also impacted by the outbreak.
As described by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), norovirus is highly contagious and leads to vomiting and diarrhea. It spreads through direct contact with infected individuals, consuming contaminated food or drinks, or touching infected surfaces.
The health department continues to investigate the outbreak’s origin but has determined that the school kitchen is not responsible, as noted by the school district.
As a precautionary measure, the school kitchen has been temporarily closed for sanitation. Meals will be prepared at a different school, and bagged lunches will be provided at Discovery Elementary next week.
Kitchen staff must remain symptom-free for 48 hours before reopening, as per the health department’s guidelines.
The school district has also introduced enhanced cleaning measures throughout the building, with scheduled periodic closures of restrooms during the school day for additional cleaning.
The health department advised that students and staff should stay home until they have been symptom-free for 48 hours.
According to the CDC, most individuals infected with norovirus will begin to show symptoms within 12 to 48 hours following exposure.
Preventative measures against norovirus include frequent handwashing, thoroughly cooking shellfish, washing fruits and vegetables, disinfecting surfaces, and remaining at home if symptoms arise.
