Medford Elementary School Closed for Second Day Amid Suspected Norovirus Outbreak
A school in Medford has shut its doors for the second consecutive day, citing a suspected norovirus outbreak that has left over 130 students absent and more than 20 staff members feeling unwell.
The closure was announced by the school's administrators and local health officials, who believe the virus is behind the sudden spike in illnesses. A professional cleaning company was brought in to sanitize the premises, while the Medford Board of Health conducted an inspection to identify any potential sources of contamination.
While the building has been deemed safe and clean, officials have determined that there wouldn't be a reasonable number of students and staff present to maintain a safe learning environment. The board is now reaching out to families who are experiencing symptoms of norovirus, a highly contagious virus that spreads easily and quickly through contact with contaminated food, water, or surfaces.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) warns that norovirus is the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea, and people with the virus are most contagious when they're sick and during their recovery period. To prevent its spread, hand-washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is crucial, particularly in areas where food is being prepared or consumed.
Other schools in the district will resume classes as normal on Friday, but officials are working with local health authorities to develop a plan to make up for lost school days.
A school in Medford has shut its doors for the second consecutive day, citing a suspected norovirus outbreak that has left over 130 students absent and more than 20 staff members feeling unwell.
The closure was announced by the school's administrators and local health officials, who believe the virus is behind the sudden spike in illnesses. A professional cleaning company was brought in to sanitize the premises, while the Medford Board of Health conducted an inspection to identify any potential sources of contamination.
While the building has been deemed safe and clean, officials have determined that there wouldn't be a reasonable number of students and staff present to maintain a safe learning environment. The board is now reaching out to families who are experiencing symptoms of norovirus, a highly contagious virus that spreads easily and quickly through contact with contaminated food, water, or surfaces.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) warns that norovirus is the leading cause of vomiting and diarrhea, and people with the virus are most contagious when they're sick and during their recovery period. To prevent its spread, hand-washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is crucial, particularly in areas where food is being prepared or consumed.
Other schools in the district will resume classes as normal on Friday, but officials are working with local health authorities to develop a plan to make up for lost school days.
this whole thing is so annoying... just when you think it's safe to go back to school 
and then BAM! some kid gets sick with norovirus and the whole place gets shut down 
. can't even eat in the cafeteria without worrying about getting sick 
. and now they're telling families that their kids are contagious just by being near other people? that's just great 
. hand-washing is like, super important right now... gotta make sure to do it for at least 20 seconds or whatever 
(when norovirus takes over)
( sanitizing the classroom... not the students' feelings)
(trying to catch up on lost school days, but it's a gut feeling)
(norovirus is no joke, wash those hands!)
(making up for lost time... and stomachs)
. And yeah, proper hand-washing is key to preventing its spread - wish they had sanitizer stations in every classroom 
And 20 seconds isn't exactly forever, fam 
. I mean, I get it, norovirus is no joke, but can't we just have some more hand sanitizer in the classrooms or something? 
I feel bad for all those kids who have to stay home because of someone else's germs... schools are supposed to be safe spaces, you know? 
on the other hand, kudos to the admin and health officials for taking swift action and getting a team in to clean everything down. that's some good ol' fashioned common sense right there 
also gotta give props to those families who are dealing with this on the home front - it's no picnic when you're stuck at home sick 
. Schools need to be more proactive about cleaning & hygiene to keep kids safe 
️. But still, can't we just have one day without some crappy virus ruining our plans for fun 
just got some major norovirus news! Medford Elementary School is closed for the second day in a row and it's all because of that dreaded virus 
Poor kids who got stuck at home due to the norovirus outbreak... I feel bad for them missing out on their school days and learning experiences. 
To all the families affected by this outbreak, I hope you guys get back on track soon with lots of rest, hydration, and TLC from your loved ones 
.
but on the bright side, at least the school is takin care of everyone by closin down and gettin a professional cleaning crew in to sanitize everything that's good karma 
also, fingers crossed those schools in the district can come up with a solid plan to make up for lost days so these kids don't fall behind