Sickness sweeps through student bodies, two Petersburg schools closed for cleaning

PETERSBURG, Va. -- Two Petersburg elementary school buildings closed Friday as sickness swept through the student bodies.

"Pleasants Lane and Lakemont Elementary School will be closed for a deep cleaning due to a gastrointestinal illness outbreak at both schools," a Petersburg Schools spokesperson advised Friday. "The custodial staff is concentrating on cleaning areas of high contact in order to minimize the possibility of transmission."

Students were instructed to log in and complete school assignments from home.

"The cause of the vomiting and diarrhea has not been determined yet, but norovirus ('the stomach flu') is suspected," officials with the Virginia Department of Health's Crater Health District wrote. "An investigation has been initiated to prevent further spread of the diarrheal infection in the school and to find the source of the infection."

COMPLETE COVERAGE: Read health district letter to Petersburg parents

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The health department said norovirus can cause stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhea along with headache, low-grade fever and chills.

"These symptoms usually start 1– 2 days after exposure and last 1– 2 days," officials wrote. "Keeping hydrated is very important; antibiotics and anti-diarrheal medications are not used to treat this infection."

Officials asked parents to call their school's nurse if their child becomes ill with symptoms of the virus or tests positive for norovirus.

"It is important that your child remain home until 24 hours after she or he no longer has fever, diarrhea, vomiting, or stomach pain," officials said. "This helps to ensure that the illness does not spread to the other children in the center."

Infection with norovirus can cause stomach cramps, vomiting and non-bloody diarrhea. Other symptoms may include headache, low-grade fever, and chills. These symptoms usually start 1– 2 days after exposure and last 1– 2 days. Keeping hydrated is very important; antibiotics and anti-diarrheal medications are not used to treat this infection.

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