Mount Pleasant Schools Close After Illnesses
MOUNT PLEASANT (WWJ/AP) - The Mount Pleasant School District has cancelled classes for the rest of the week after a suspected norovirus sickened about 200 students.
The Morning Sun reports schools will be closed Thursday and Friday in the district. All of the district's buildings and busses will be disinfected over the weekend and all sporting events have been canceled.
Classes will resume Tuesday, since schools were scheduled to be closed Monday for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
A norovirus is suspected by health officials. Noroviruses are highly contagious viruses that cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramping. Some people also experience headache, low-grade fever, and body aches. Symptoms usually last for 24 to 48 hours.
Norovirus is transmitted by eating contaminated food (food that was prepared or handled by another ill person), by touching surfaces or objects (such as doorknobs, faucets, handles, etc.) contaminated with Norovirus and then touching the mouth, and by having direct contact with a person who is infected and showing symptoms.
To prevent the spread of Norovirus:
- Wash your hands frequently
- Stay home if you are ill
- Disinfect with a bleach-based cleaning solution
- Do not prepare food for others if you are ill
You can check to see which schools are closed anytime on our school closings page.
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