Home / Health / Nearly 100 Sick in Olathe School Norovirus Scare
Nearly 100 Sick in Olathe School Norovirus Scare
24 Oct
Summary
- Nearly 100 students and staff were affected by a norovirus outbreak.
- No hospitalizations were reported during the outbreak.
- Health officials declared the outbreak officially over as of October 13.
An outbreak of norovirus, a highly contagious virus known for causing vomiting and diarrhea, affected nearly 100 people at Bentwood Elementary School in Olathe, Kansas. The Johnson County Department of Health and Environment (JCDHE) and Olathe Public Schools confirmed 95 cases among students and staff, with two additional family member cases.
Symptoms included vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain. Two cases were laboratory-confirmed, while the rest were linked epidemiologically. The outbreak began around October 8, with the last new cases reported by October 13.
Health officials confirmed the outbreak was over on October 21. Although the immediate outbreak has concluded, officials will continue to monitor the situation. Norovirus is a leading cause of foodborne illness in the U.S., emphasizing the importance of frequent handwashing.
Experts note that such outbreaks are common due to the virus's ease of transmission through contaminated surfaces and close contact.
