As reported in the News, Butte County has an increase in the Gastrointestinal Illness, known as the Norovirus.

• It is a highly contagious illness caused by a virus.
• The most common symptoms are: Vomiting, Diarrhea and Stomach pain.
• Most people get better in 1-2 days.
• This virus can be serious for some, especially the very young, the elderly and those with other chronic illnesses.
• This virus is found in the stool and vomit of infected people.
• You can become infected by:

ü       Eating or drinking liquids that are contaminated with Norovirus

ü       Touching contaminated surfaces or objects and putting your hands in your mouth

ü       Having direct contact with an infected person.

Parents will be asked to pick up students from school if they display these symptoms. We are taking measures to avoid the spread of germs, including encouraging the usage of hand sanitizers along with increased monitoring and cleaning of restrooms. Additionally, students can go to the Health Office on each campus if they need medical attention.

Basic precautions to help reduce the spread of this virus include:

• Stay home when you are sick with these symptoms.
• You may want to contact your doctor if you have a fever of over 100 degrees.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water, especially after using the toilet, and before eating or preparing food. Dry your hands thoroughly.
• Use an alcohol based hand sanitizer and disinfect contaminated surfaces with a bleach based household cleaner.
• Stay healthy by eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water and getting adequate rest and exercise.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sleeve.
• Wash contaminated clothes immediately and thoroughly launder them.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth - germs spread that way.
• Keep surfaces clean at home, school and work.

DO NOT RETURN TO SCHOOL UNTIL AT LEAST 24-48 HOURS AFTER SYMPTOMS GO AWAY.