Because norovirus is highly contagious, an outbreak can easily occur in schools if precautions are not taken before and after finding out a student or staff member has the virus. It’s essential that staff and students be well-informed when it comes to norovirus because children are especially vulnerable to the illness. A severe bout of norovirus to a youngster can send him or her to the hospital quickly and can even become severe in some instances.
Norovirus is the most common gastroenteritis illness in the U.S., with more than 21 million cases reported each year. Otherwise known as “the stomach bug” or “food poisoning”, norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes the stomach and intestines to become inflamed. This leads to the onset of intense stomach pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. In schools, it’s rather easy to recognize if norovirus has hit the students, as multiple students will complain of stomach pain and begin vomiting or having diarrhea. Because students spend so much time in close quarters in classrooms, the virus can spread quickly if precautions are not taken.
Before an outbreak occurs
Before an outbreak occurs at school, it is recommended that school officials develop an Infection Control Program (ICP)  to educate, communicate, and have proper protocols for cleaning and sanitizing if the virus shows up. When an ICP is in operation, the chances of an outbreak occurring are far less.
There are higher risk areas in schools for norovirus to thrive, so they may need more care than simply routine cleaning. Consider targeting high-risk areas for disinfection treatment regularly, including areas such as:
- Nurse’s office
- Water fountains
Additionally, consider surfaces that are touched a lot, such as:
- Desk tops
- Door handles
- Light switches
- Hand rails
Determine ahead of time what cleaning and disinfecting solutions will be used to clean the school, as well as the high-risk areas. Delegate cleaning and disinfecting tasks to those who will be responsible for precaution and clean up. In addition, determine what protocol will be when it comes to handling soiled clothing or surfaces due to vomit or bodily fluids.
For a more detailed checklist for how to respond to norovirus outbreaks in schools, the CDC offers a thorough plan HERE.
Proper hand washing
Thorough hand washing is crucial when it comes to keeping norovirus at bay. Teaching the students and staff how to wash hands thoroughly is essential. Teachers ought to show children effective hand washing techniques and monitor them regularly as they can. Kitchen staff needs to be extra careful too, as one infected kitchen working preparing meals can be the source of an outbreak.
Wash hands for at least 30 seconds after using the bathroom, before preparing or eating food, and after you’ve handled any soiled clothing or objects. Educating students about norovirus (and other viruses) and proper hand washing techniques will help keep viruses to a minimum. You may also encourage an alcohol-based sanitizer, though hand washing with soap and hot water is more effective.
Encourage those who are sick to stay home
Those that become sick with norovirus should stay home and not return to school until they’ve been well for three days, as the virus is still contagious even after symptoms have subsided.