Jenison elementary school closes for ‘fast-moving’ stomach bug
GEORGETOWN TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — An elementary school in Jenison is closing for two days after students and staff have been sickened by a stomach bug.
Sandy Hill Elementary will be closed Thursday and Friday to clean the building and sanitize and disinfect surfaces to prevent further spread of an illness that has been “fast-moving” at the school, the district said. It hopes closing will help prevent further spread and help protect both students and staff.
The district told News 8 the illness was a stomach bug that would’ve left the school slightly understaffed.
It encouraged parents to watch for symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, headache or fever in their children. If a student is experiencing any of these symptoms, they should stay home until they are symptom-free for 24 hours.
Dr. Kira Sieplinga is a pediatrician with Corewell Health West. She says the health care system has seen an uptick in viruses that can create stomach issues.
“They can range anywhere from influenza, which we’re seeing a lot of, and that causes congestion, fever, and stomach symptoms, such as vomiting, diarrhea and body aches. And sometimes we can see stomach bugs,” Sieplinga said.
While influenza usually spreads the most in the fall and winter, Sieplinga says gastroenteritis cases — also known as stomach bugs — don’t always follow the same path.
“They come in waves any time of the year,” Sieplinga said. “The reason we see them in the wintertime is because people are close together, spending a lot of time together in classrooms and as families huddled inside.”
She adds that viruses that cause stomach sickness can spread very quickly.
“If a surface has been left uncleaned and your hands have been left unwashed, and you may happen to eat something or touch your fingers to your lips, you’re at risk for contracting that virus,” Sieplinga said.
By taking a few precautions, you can protect yourself and your family.
“Washing your hands diligently, every time we leave crowds, before we eat, after we leave the restroom,” Sieplinga said. “If your child has vomiting, new onset diarrhea or new onset congestion, or other viral symptoms, please try to keep them at home.”
In a statement, the Ottawa County Health Department said the district has taken the right steps so far.
The school took appropriate action in their efforts to contain the early stages of disease spread. We’re working with them to learn more.
Ottawa County Health Department Medical Director Dr. Gwen Unzicker
Parent-teacher conferences that were scheduled for Thursday at Sandy Hill will be canceled, Jenison Public Schools says. The school will make “alternative arrangements” next week.
Jenison Public Schools says it will “monitor the situation closely” and “provide updates as necessary.”
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