113 Monterey-Area Students Sent Home Over Possible Norovirus
MARINA, Monterey County (CBS / AP) -- A Monterey-area middle school sent 113 students home after a suspected norovirus outbreak, and county health officials are investigating the cause.
Students at Los Arboles Middle School in Marina were sent home Thursday and Friday and told not to return until Monday in an effort to stop the stomach virus from spreading.
District officials said the children began showing symptoms like light-headedness, nausea and vomiting.
The norovirus is also known as "stomach flu" or the "cruise ship disease," and usually presents symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramping for about two days.
The elderly and very young are most at risk for more serious complications from the disease, which can cause severe dehydration.
Monterey County Health Department spokeswoman Karen Smith said cafeteria food was ruled out as a cause.
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