Dear Parent/Guardian:

There has been an increase in the number of students in the county who have developed gastrointestinal illness with symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, fever and abdominal cramps.

Gastrointestinal illnesses can spread quickly from one person to another through contact with an infected person and contaminated surfaces. 

People can become infected by:

*      Touching contaminated surfaces or objects and then placing hands in mouth

*      Having direct contact with another person who is infected and showing symptoms

*      Eating or drinking contaminated food or water

The best way to prevent and control an infection is by frequent and thorough hand washing with soap and water.  Wash hands often, especially after using the bathroom, before eating or preparing food, and after coughing & sneezing.  Frequent cleaning of high contact surfaces in your environment (such as door knobs/handles, light switches, countertops, etc.) with a bleach solution or bleach-based disinfectant is also very important. Additionally, ill persons should not return to school until they have been without symptoms for at least 48 hours.  If your child currently has symptoms named above, make sure they drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and encourage increased hand washing.  If symptoms become severe, contact your physician.

Please contact the health room at 410-313-5550 if your child has been absent with above symptoms or if you have any questions. 

Thank you!