A severe stomach virus is ripping its way through Washoe County schools again.
At last count, ten schools and 400 students have been affected by the recent outbreak of norovirus, a highly contagious virus that's spread by person-to-person contact, or contact with contaminated food or surfaces.
In a recent public service announcement, the CDC’s Dr. Aron Hall explains that children and seniors are particularly vulnerable.
“Adults over 65 and children younger than 5 years old are more likely to have severe outcomes, such as dehydration, hospitalization, or death from norovirus infection.”
Hall recommends washing hands before preparing or eating food and after using the bathroom, disinfecting kitchen surfaces, cooking food thoroughly and at high heat, and washing and drying any affected items on the longest cycles in your washer and dryer.
As of 5pm on Thursday, the Washoe schools currently affected are:
- Alice Smith Elementary School,
- Bernice Mathews Elementary School,
- Stead Elementary School,
- O’Brien Middle School,
- Bud Beasley Elementary School,
- McQueen High School,
- Desert Heights Elementary School,
- Grace Warner Elementary School,
- Nancy Gomes Elementary School,
- Marvin Picollo School,
- and Westergard Elementary School