CONYERS, Ga. — Shoal Creek Elementary School in Rockdale County confirmed that they will reopen on Tuesday after closing Monday due to an illness spreading among students and faculty.
The school initially announced the closing on Friday after widespread reports of gastroenteritis among the school population.
"We are working closely with the Rockdale County Health Department to limit the impact of this illness," the school wrote in a statement Friday on its website. "Health officials tell us that illnesses are likely due to norovirus which can cause nausea, diarrhea and/or vomiting."
Even though the school will be open on Monday, they ask that parents continue to keep sick children home until they are able to be free from vomiting or diarrhea for 24 hours without medication.
The school is also encouraging students to wash their hands often - particularly before eating and after using the restroom.
The Monday closure will be at least the second one of 2019 for the school, which, along with Pine Street Elementary School, was closed in March due to a norovirus outbreak.
Anyone with questions about the illness should contact their child's physician or the Rockdale County Health Department at 770-339-4260. An epidemiologist should be on call and be able to provide more information.
Norovirus symptoms
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that diarrhea, vomiting, nausea and stomach pain are the most common symptoms. However, stomach flu can also lead to fever, headache and body aches.
Norovirus can also cause dehydration due to loss of fluids. That condition can add symptoms such as a decrease in urination, dry mouth and throat and feeling dizzy when standing up.
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