BERKELEY COUNTY, S.C.–On Monday, March 3, 2015, 235 Whitesville Elementary School students were absent from school and approximately 16 went home during the morning.
Approximately 13 adults were also absent. The current enrollment at Whitesville Elementary School is 1,115 students.
BCSD officials say that DHEC epidemiologists have 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.
Authorities say that DHEC continues to investigate this illness. Their epidemiologists have stated that it is not unusual for viruses to remain unidentified.
School leaders say that district staff and a licensed cleaning company thoroughly cleaned and disinfected the school during this past weekend and Monday.
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.
According to district officials, parents of students that are out sick may account for their children’s medical absences with a note so they can be excused. 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, school leaders say. 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.
