A Medford elementary school has decided to cancel classes for Thursday due to a notable rise in norovirus cases, according to the district. Roberts Elementary reported a surge of stomach-related illnesses among students on Wednesday, with more than 130 students absent and additional complaints of nausea or stomach discomfort reported by others inside the building.
As a precaution, Roberts Elementary will shutter the building for the day while a professional cleaning crew performs an extensive deep-clean. In addition, the Medford Board of Health will inspect the cafeteria equipment to rule out other possible sources of illness.
The district says it will share later in the school year how Thursday’s closure will be made up for, whether through a future make-up day or alternative arrangements.
Norovirus is highly contagious and commonly causes sudden vomiting and diarrhea. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that norovirus is a leading cause of vomiting, diarrhea, and foodborne illness in the United States.
All other schools within the Medford Public Schools system will conduct classes as scheduled on Thursday, with Roberts Elementary operating on its closure as a precaution.
