Officials have closed an elementary school in southern New Jersey because of a norovirus outbreak.
More than 40 percent of the students at Eagleswood Elementary School were out sick Thursday.
Officials decided to close the school on Friday so cleaning crews could disinfect the building. Students and teachers will have a long weekend because the school was scheduled to be closed for Columbus Day on Monday.
School business administrator Allison Bogart has told parents the district reported the outbreak to the state Health Department. She says it's important to keep children away from others until they are symptom-free for 24 hours.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says norovirus is very contagious and is best prevented by washing hands.
