Long Island School Deep Cleaned After Students Get Norovirus

Officials say a Long Island high school has been cleaned and disinfected after several students who recently returned from a trip to Spain contracted norovirus.

A letter to parents from Bayport-Blue Point High School principal Gaurav Passi says a contaminated bottled water source may have caused the students to fall ill.

A school spokesperson says 40 high school students and at least one elementary school student in the district displayed symptoms of norovirus, although Suffolk's health department has not yet confirmed any cases of norovirus there. 

Passi tells Newsday the school has been "vigilant" in cleaning surfaces. A deep cleaning of the entire building, along with four other district buildings, is scheduled over the weekend. County health officials have also been notified.

A mother named Stephany said her 10-year-old fourth-grader got sick Thursday and was unresponsive by the time they got to the hospital. He's doing better now, she said, but a Family Fun Night event at the boy's elementary school has now been postponed. 

Passi says health officials recommend students showing symptoms should see a doctor and stay away from school until they're symptom free for 48 hours. The school nurse's office should also be notified.

Passi says norovirus is very contagious and causes acute gastroenteritis.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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