Public Health is investigating an outbreak of a gastrointestinal illness — or stomach bug — in the Glace Bay, N.S., area.
The unknown illness seems to have hit St. Anne’s Elementary particularly hard, which has little more than 350 students between pre-primary and Grade 5.
The Cape Breton-Victoria Regional Centre for Education says protocol requires schools contact Public Health if there is a 10 per cent or greater absenteeism rate within the student body due to an illness.
Staff at the school contacted Public Health on Monday to notify them about a high absence rate.
In a letter to parents and staff, Dr. Ishraga Awad, an associate medical officer of health with Public Health, says those affected have experienced nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, often coming on quickly and seemingly also resolving quickly.
A spokesperson for Nova Scotia Public Health says in an email to CTV News the bug appears to be consistent with a Norovirus-like illness, which they say is common this time of year.
Public Health also says the disease likely started in the community and spread faster due to increased socializing around Halloween, adding there’s no indication the bug has anything to do with the school environment itself.
To prevent spread, Awad advises students and staff wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water, stay home when sick, avoid preparing ready-to-eat food with bare hands, and clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces regularly.
The CBVRCE adds there are enhanced cleaning and disinfecting practices of high-touch areas at the school.
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