Classes at John Adams Middle School in Santa Monica, Calif., were canceled Friday due to an outbreak of suspected norovirus.
During a five-day field trip to Yosemite National Park, 190 seventh graders — as well as several teachers and parents — were exposed to gastrointestinal illness. The students returned to classes on Jan. 30. Health officials believe these students then spread the virus to other students who were not on the trip, according to the Los Angeles Times.
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"As you know, we have been dealing with a highly contagious gastrointestinal illness this past week that has affected many JAMS students, staff and parents," said school Principal Steve Richardson in a letter sent to parents and staff. "While this virus is consistent with the norovirus, it is yet to be definitively identified. Public health professionals are thus uncertain of the incubation period. They do anticipate that due to its highly contagious nature and the escalation in affected cases this week, this infectious cycle could extend weeks at JAMS and spread to multiple campuses unless immediate measures are taken."
The school will conduct terminal cleaning throughout its facilities this weekend, as recommended by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
Norovirus is a pathogen spread via contaminated food or water and person-to-person contact. It is considered to be the prevalent cause of food-borne illness in the U.S.
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