TACOMA — Schools across Pierce County are dealing an outbreak of what health officials believe is norovirus.
KCPQ-TV reported that Mountain Meadow Elementary in Buckley announced Thursday it will close until Monday after dozens of students and staff developed flu-like symptoms. About 70 students had been ill and absent Wednesday.
The illness has not been confirmed as norovirus but Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department officials believe it could be.
The News Tribune of Tacoma reports 25 students were absent from St. Charles Borromeo Catholic School in Tacoma.
Norovirus is a common, contagious virus that causes stomach pain, nausea and diarrhea. Norovirus typically lasts 24 to 48 hours and is not usually serious.
The Health Department sent an informative letter about norovirus to the parents at the affected schools.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
