Diseases are spread mainly in crowded places, which is why schools are usually one of the most common infection spots when a kid has a virus in their system. This week, a school in Long Beach, California has been hit with a massive norovirus outbreak.

George Washington Carver Elementary School was closed both by school officials and health staff. This closure will last several days and though parents were notified on Thursday, March 16, apparently infections have been going on for a few weeks.

Norovirus is highly contagious and causes symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and nausea. Since February 22, 2023, more than 130 students and teachers have gotten sick.

The school will be closed from Friday, January 17 to Tuesday, March 21.

The school released a statement for parents that read as follows:

Health officials have determined that this length of closure is the most effective way to stop the further spread of this common virus… A health screening process will be implemented as students return to school on Wednesday morning.

It should be noted that there is no specific treatment for norovirus. According to doctors, this disease lasts around 3 days, in which they recommend keeping yourself hydrated to compensate for the loss of liquids caused by its symptoms.