Sickness sweeps southern Minn. schools

A suspected norovirus outbreak is sickening students at Sibley East in Gaylord.

One-third of the elementary and junior high students were out sick Wednesday and Thursday with flu-like symptoms.

Laura Reid with the Sibley County Health Department tells The Free Press of Mankato an investigation by the Minnesota Department of Health is pointing toward a norovirus outbreak as the source. Test results should be known in about two weeks.

Reid says hand-washing is vital to stopping the spread of the illness. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, and last about 24 hours.

School staff thoroughly cleaned surfaces Wednesday, and the self-service food line was shut down. Students also were asked not to share or pass food in the classrooms.

Information from The Free Press (Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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