Montclair H.S. Students, Staff Aching To Avoid Nasty Stomach Virus
NEW YORK(CBSNewYork) -- Custodial crews at Montclair High School spent the night scrubbing and disinfecting the building after more than 100 young people were absent or sent home sick.
Parents were glad to see the measures being taken after receiving a warning email from Principal James Earle about a nasty stomach bug, CBS 2's Dave Carlin reported.
"I think they are being responsible," Joanna Feldheim said.
Montclair H.S. Students, Staff Aching To Avoid Nasty Stomach Virus
The principal asked parents to keep students with symptoms at home to avoid infecting other students.
Teachers told CBS 2's Carlin that anywhere from 100 to 150 students stayed home on Wednesday, most were believed to be suffering from the sudden onset of stomach cramping, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Dozens of students were also sent home after going to the school nurse and reporting symptoms.
The illness prompted some students to wear masks.
"They took it from me and told me to throw it away," Jason Simon said.
As CBS 2's Dr. Max Gomez explained the illness is viral, not airborne, and is commonly spread via hand contact or contaminated food. It typically goes away on its own within one to four days, but good hygiene is crucial.
"I don't touch nobody. I see somebody and I just say hey and touch with elbows," Simon said.
Simon isn't the only one, teachers and students in Montclair will likely all be saying 'don't bug me' until the illness subsides.
You May Also Be Interested In These Stories
