Gastrointestinal Illness Outbreak In Calaveras County
San Andreas, Ca — Public Health Department officials in Calaveras County have been investigating why there have been an unusually high number of ill students at Mokelumne Hill and Railroad Flat Elementary Schools.
“We found symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea, which are consistent with a viral gastrointestinal illness,” says County Health Officer Dr. Dean Kelaita. “The virus causes sudden onset of vomiting and stomach cramps.”
Kelaita says the symptoms (fever, headache, diarrhea, body aches) usually last for eight hours, but may continue for up to two days.
No particular source has been identified at this time. The illness has not resulted in any serious complications or hospitalizations.
The County Health Department is encouraging parents to keep children at home if they experience vomiting or diarrhea. Students and adults should also stay home for at least 48 hours after the symptoms stop. Other advice from the department is to wash hands thoroughly, and always use household disinfectant to clean areas where vomiting and diarrhea occurs.
“Health officials are continuing investigations and working directly with school officials and medical providers to identify the source of infection and prevent the further spread of illness,” said Jeanne M. Boyce, Director, Calaveras County Health Services Agency. “We appreciate the school district´s cooperation in implementing health protection measures that will help prevent more illness in the community.”
Written by BJ Hansen
