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The Washoe County School District says some students at O'Brien STEM Academy are sick with a gastrointestinal illness. WCSD doesn't know how many students are affected at the Stead Academy.
Gastrointestinal infections are viral, bacterial or parasitic infections that cause gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract involving both the stomach and the small intestine. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
The Washoe County School District says they are also seeing cases of influenza-like-illness (ILI), a respiratory illness.
If you are feeling sick, you're urged to call the Health District at 775-328-2400.
WCSD tells us they sent this message to affected families:
Good evening, this is Principal Baker from O’Brien STEM Academy with an important health-related message for our O’Brien families.
We are calling to let you know that here at O’Brien STEM Academy, we have seen a higher-than-typical number of students with stomach symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea. As a precaution we have been in touch with the Washoe County Health District and we are following their recommendation for thorough cleaning of the school — with a weak bleach solution -- on a daily basis. As with all cleaning products, some individuals may be sensitive to bleach vapors. It is recommended that persons sensitive to bleach vapors take appropriate precautions.
We will continue to collaborate with the Health District until student absences return to normal numbers.
You can help us keep our students healthy by encouraging handwashing at home and by keeping your child home from school and any other social gatherings, events, or activities for at least 48 hours after symptoms of vomiting or diarrhea have ended.
If you have any further questions, please contact the school at 677-5420 and ask for the health office. Thank you.
