3-27-2023 8:04pm

Outbreak of suspected Norovirus at Babylon School

Samantha Hespos Editor

Babylon

Health officials have confirmed that a suspected norovirus outbreak has caused illness among numerous students at a high school on Long Island.

Dr. Gregson Pigott, Suffolk County Health Commissioner, reported that Babylon High School had over 80 students absent on March 17 as they had contracted a gastrointestinal illness.

News12 reported that the troubling situation at Babylon High School may have originated from a school dance on a Friday night, which was disrupted after students in attendance began experiencing vomiting.

The Suffolk County Department of Health Services quickly visited the campus to inspect the kitchen and food services area after a few hours. The department stated that there was no evidence suggesting that the outbreak started in the school's cafeteria.

Piggot stated that although laboratory testing has not confirmed the cause of the outbreak, it is suspected to be norovirus.

Pigott stated that Norovirus has been present in the US as it usually is every year, but the CDC reported a rise in cases compared to the years of the COVID-19 pandemic in February.

According to health officials, the majority of the outbreak was confined to the high school, with only a small number of cases identified among students in other schools in the same district.

The health department recommends washing hands for a minimum of 20 seconds with soap and water and cleaning surfaces to prevent infection.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Norovirus is responsible for the majority of cases of diarrhea, foodborne illnesses, and vomiting. Its transmission occurs through ingesting contaminated food or liquids, making contact with contaminated surfaces, and then touching your mouth, or through direct exposure to an infected individual.

The onset of symptoms is abrupt, generally occurring within 12 to 48 hours of being exposed, and comprises vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal discomfort.

Parents were informed by the school district via an alert on Saturday to refrain from sending their children to school in case they encountered any stomach problems.

Indications such as body aches, fever, and headaches are also present. Norovirus has no known cure.

How to avoid Norovirus: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-to-avoid-the-dreaded-norovirus/?amp=true