State health officials are investigating a “gastrointestinal outbreak” at an Alabama elementary school that announced it was closing through Friday after nearly 800 students were absent on Wednesday.
Just 201 students at Fairhope West Elementary School in Baldwin County attended classes on Wednesday while 773 students were absent, WKRG reported. The station noted that not all 773 students were sick but did not say how many students were ill.
Neither Baldwin County Schools Superintendent Eddie Tyler nor the Alabama Department of Health could be reached by AL.com to confirm WKRG’s report, but ADPH officials told the station that symptoms including vomiting and nausea are tied to the incident.
The agency’s Infectious Diseases and Outbreak staff gave specimen collection materials for testing through the department’s Bureau of Clinical Laboratories.
In a letter to Fairhope West Elementary School parents, Tyler said the school was closing through Friday in response to the outbreak.
“After careful consideration, we have decided to close Fairhope West through Friday, March 1,” Tyler wrote, according to WKRG. “Due to the amount of staff and students who are absent, the number who are experiencing symptoms, and in an effort to help contain the contagion, we unfortunately need to shut the building down. While out, we will be conducting a deep cleaning of the school so when students return next week, it will be sanitized to the fullest extent.”
Tyler said Fairhope East Elementary is also affected, but to a lesser extent. He did not give details on how many students there became ill.
Dr. Debi Johnson is a medical expert and health journalist dedicated to promoting well-being. With a background in medicine, she offers evidence-based insights into health trends and wellness practices. Beyond her reporting, Dr. Debi enjoys hiking, yoga, and empowering others to lead healthier lives.
