Sickness Sweeps Southern MN Schools

GAYLORD, Minn. (AP) — 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 (http://bit.ly/xR6tiv) 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.

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Information from: The Free Press, http://www.mankatofreepress.com

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.

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