Other Info

Norovirus Infections:

Norovirus - sometimes called the stomach flu, viral gastroenteritis, or food poisoning - likes the cold weather. It likes to settle in the public school environment.  The best way to avoid the virus is to wash your hands often using soap and water. Alcohol-based cleansers are not effective against this virus.

Norovirus is a highly contagious viral illness, which begins suddenly and usually causes stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Some people also experience low-grade fever, chills, body aches and fatigue. Most people recover quickly, but serious complications can occur. Those infected are contagious from the moment they begin to feel sick for up to two weeks after the individual is feeling better. That is why hand washing is so important to prevent the spread of the illness.

Students who have had a fever of over 100 degrees or have had vomiting must be symptom free for 24 hours without the use of an over the counter remedy before they are allowed to return to school.

If your child needs to miss school because of an illness or injury, please call the Attendance Office at 908-526-8900 x 7261 to report his or her illness.  Upon return to school, please send a note explaining the absence which will be brought to the nurse's office for a pass.

Precautions:

• wash hands frequently with soap and water
• do not prepare food when infected
• clean infected surfaces with a diluted bleach solution (5-25 tablespoons of household bleach per gallon of water) or bleach based household cleaner.
• remove and wash clothing and linens that may be infected with body fluids.

If you have any questions regarding the health care of your child while in school, please contact the health office at the phone numbers listed at the top of the webpage.

 Thank you.

Sara Webb and Seohyun Lee

School Nurses