Centennial’s Shepherd of the Hills Christian School was closed early for holiday break due to an outbreak of a norovirus plaguing children and teachers.
The Centennial School was closed due to what school officials considered a “widespread outbreak” of a norovirus. Shepherd of the Hills released a statement to parents on Tuesday notifying them of the closure Wednesday. School officials are working hard to disinfect the classrooms and the entire school. Symptoms of norovirus typically develop within 12 to 48 hours. The symptoms include, throwing up, upset stomach and other unmentionably awful symptoms very similar to a stomach flu. These symptoms are likely to lead to dehydration, especially in younger children, older adults and those with other illnesses.Symptoms may last 1-3 days.
Norovirus infections are caused by a specific group of viruses that can spread through contaminated water supplies, raw foods, or food and drink prepared by infected food handlers. Contaminated surfaces such as door knobs or desk tops can also spread infections, and of course direct contact with an ill person. A norovirus typically goes away on its own, therefore there is no set treatment. Most recover with the typical “rest and fluids” method. If you find yourself with severe dehydration, you may require an IV of fluids in a hospital or one of the many revitalization stations around Colorado. Unfortunately, antibiotics are not effective against viruses, and there are no antiviral medications available to fight or prevent an infection.
If you’re hoping to prevent you or your family from getting sick you can follow these steps to reduce your chances of getting or passing this norovirus:
- Wash your hands after using the bathroom, changing diapers, before preparing food… Pretty much any time you SHOULD be washing your hands anyway.
- Make sure the infected person you are looking after throughly washes their hands
- Immediately clean and disinfect your home.
- Change your toothbrush once your symptoms start to go away
- Do NOT prepare food for yourself or anyone else
- If you are ill do not attempt to go to school, work, or anywhere with people until your symptoms have passed
