Appendix I - Norovirus

When reporting an absence, please leave the following information:

Your child's name
Reason for absence
If the absence is due to illness, please include the specific symptoms
If the absence is due to a GI/Stomach illness:
- Does your child have vomiting?
- Does your child have diarrhea?
- Did these symptoms begin suddenly?
- If your child is experiencing these symptoms, they may not return to school until 48 hours AFTER symptoms stop.

Thank you.

Norovirus Phone Call Script

This is (insert your name) from (insert name of school). I am calling to ask why your student is absent from school today. (Allow parent or guardian to answer)

We currently have a number of students out with norovirus-like symptoms and are tracking this information for public health purposes. Is your student experiencing vomiting and diarrhea? Did these symptoms begin suddenly? Is anyone else in the family sick with the same symptoms? Has your student been evaluated by a healthcare provider? Was your student diagnosed with norovirus?

Thank you.

Norovirus Alert

Important Notice to Parents

An increase in norovirus activity, characterized by vomiting and diarrhea, is occurring at (insert name of school) and your student may have been exposed to the virus while attending class or school activities.

Symptoms of norovirus appear suddenly and always include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramping. Some people may or may not have a low-grade fever. The illness usually begins 12-48 hours after exposure to the virus.

Norovirus spreads easily from person to person when tiny particles of virus from an infected person's vomit or stool enter another person's mouth. Experts estimate that as few as 18 virus particles can cause the illness compared to the billions that a sicker person sheds in their vomit and stool. You can become sick by having direct contact or sharing food or drink with an infected person or by touching a surface or object that has been contaminated and then touching your face. The virus is most contagious form the time symptoms appear until 5 day slater. The virus is very hardy and can live on surfaces for weeks. Most household cleaners and disinfectants will not completely kill norovirus.

Ways to prevent or slow the spread of norovirus include:

Everyone in the home must wash their hands often using soap and water, especially before preparing food, before eating or after using the bathroom or changing diapers
Avoid touching your face
Don't share food or drinks with other people, especially when you are sick or they are sick
Don't prepare food for others if you are ill or for 48 hours after symptoms end
Flush vomit or stoool immediately or dispose of it in a trash bag which is imeediately removed from the house.
Immediately remove and machine wash and dry any clothing or linens soiled by vomit or diarrhea
Clean and disinfect the area where someone has been sick using a bleach solution as described below:
- If your bleach content is 6.0%, use a solution of 1 + 1/3 cup bleach in 1 gallon of water; make sure the surface stays wet for 1 inute (60 seconds). If it begins to air dry, spray with the solution again.
- If your bleach content is 8.25% (often labeled as concentrated), use a solution of 1 cup bleach in 1 gallon of water; make sure the surface stays wet for 1 minute (60 seconds). If it begins to air dry, spray with solution again.

Please call your healthcare provider if you have concerns regarding this illness. (Insert contact names and phone numbers).