BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.–An illness at Whitesville Elementary School has forced a lot of students and faculty members to stay home from school.
According to Berkeley Co. School District officials, 199 students were absent from school Monday and approximately 43 went home throughout the day. About 24 adults were also absent.
The current enrollment at Whitesville Elementary School is 1,113 students.
DHEC epidemiologists have reportedly not identified the incident as viral or bacterial. Symptoms identified by those who were infected include nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain, fever, vomiting and body aches.
District officials stated that DHEC epidemiologists have stated that it is not unusual for viruses to remain unidentified. They advised the district to take all normal precautions for maintaining personal and specifically hand hygiene to avoid contamination or contracting the illness.
According to BCSD officials, district staff and a licensed cleaning company thoroughly cleaned and disinfected the school during this past weekend.
All Berkeley County School District buses have had their surfaces sanitized. DHEC’s recommended solution containing bleach was used to clean and disinfect all areas of the school including bathrooms, classrooms and hard surfaces. The air was treated and rugs and carpets were shampooed as well. The school was cleaned again on Monday.
As a precaution, parents who notice that their child has displayed any of the previously mentioned symptoms within the last 48 hours should keep their child home.
Children with signs or symptoms of the virus should stay home until they have been free of symptoms for 48 hours. Clean any surfaces contaminated with bodily fluids or waste with a bleach and water solution. The most important thing parents can do is maintain good hygiene and ensure children wash their hands often with warm water and soap.
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