Wappingers Central School District

FISHKILL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 20 CHURCH STREET FISHKILL, NEW YORK 12524 Middle States Association (845) 897-6780 of Colleges and Schools Member FAX (845) 897-6788 Member DR. ANDREW T. MCNALLY, PRINCIPAL e m

January 2015

Dear Parents and Staff:

This letter is to inform you that several children in our school are again experiencing gastrointestinal illness that resembles Noro-like virus. There are several outbreaks of noro like illness throughout the community as well. Symptoms of Norovirus can include any or all of the following nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, low- grade fever, dehydration and headache. This illness usually lasts an average of 24 – 72 hours. Norovirus is more commonly known as the 24 hour stomach bug.

We do not have laboratory confirmation that noro virus is making our students ill. However, the Dutchess County Department of Health informs us that Noro virus outbreaks are occurring in several locations in our area.

Young children with symptoms, particularly in daycare and other special care settings should be evaluated by their pediatrician. Diagnosis is made by obtaining a viral stool culture specimen. Persons can spread the virus while they are experiencing symptoms and at least 72 hours after the diarrhea or vomiting stops.

Noro viruses are highly contagious and can be spread person to person, by contaminated food or water or through the air when close to someone who is vomiting. Children and other ill persons must observe careful hand washing after going to the bathroom, before eating and common activities such as gym, computer class and arts and crafts . Ill persons should not prepare, handle or share food with anyone else. Strict hand washing procedures must be observed to prevent the spread of illness.

There is no treatment for Norovirus but IV fluid and electrolyte replacement is advised for severe illness. Hand washing is the most important method of preventing transmission in any setting. Noroviruses are very resistant to standard disinfectants and to hand sanitizers. A bleach solution if ¼ cup of bleach to a gallon of water is believed to be effective.

Our school has been in close contact with the Dutchess County Department of Health on this issue. The health department advises that parents consult with their pediatrician if their child develops any of the symptoms described above.

Please feel free to contact the Health Office with any questions or concerns at (845)897-6780 x 12105

Sincerely,

Rosaria DiNardo RN, BSN, CPN School Nurse