Possible norovirus outbreak sickening St. Johns County kids

ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — A stomach bug outbreak that’s sickening kids in St. Johns County could be norovirus.

While the health department can't say for sure, the school district sent a letter home to parents warning that the symptoms are similar.

“My wife and I were very concerned,” said Scott Devore, whose two daughters go to Cunningham Creek Elementary.

The district is warning parents to be on the lookout for nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramping and possibly low-grade fever.

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The four schools that have seen the most cases are Liberty Pines Academy, Patriot Oaks Academy, Switzerland Point Middle and Cunningham Creek Elementary.

“It’s kind of scary, especially with this school being one of the ones that they called out as being on high alert. So we’re just making sure we’re being as cautious as can be,” said Devore.

The four schools are within 15 minutes of each other.

“It seemed very extreme. Like, something not to be taken lightly,” said Devore.

The school district’s director of health said all four schools’ custodians have ramped up disinfecting common surfaces and computer equipment.

Teachers are also allowing students more time for hand washing.

“It really comes down to us parents and hopefully the teachers are there to guide them,” said Kevin Pass, whose third-grade son goes to Cunningham Creek Elementary.

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The school district is asking parents to keep their children home from school or daycare for at least 24 hours after their symptoms have stopped.

The letter sent home to parents also gives tips for cleaning up after a sick child.

They’re also asking parents to talk to their kids about the right way to wash their hands and not to share food or drinks with other people.

Scott Kennedy said that’s not always easy with a kindergartner.

“He doesn’t listen. So we are having to reinforce those things and remind him to use soap, don’t put your hands in your mouth,” said Kennedy, whose son also goes to Cunningham Creek Elementary.

The school district spokesperson said the letter was sent to all St. Johns County principals to disseminate to parents at their discretion.

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