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Council Bluffs, Iowa: Unidentified virus sickens many in elementary school - possibly norovirus

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  • Council Bluffs, Iowa: Unidentified virus sickens many in elementary school - possibly norovirus

    Get the latest Omaha news, sports and weather from team at KETV – and find out why we’re Omaha’s favorite news source.


    Virus Sickens Dozens At Bluffs School
    71 Students, Staff Stay Home From Edison Elementary School
    POSTED: 4:14 pm CDT November 1, 2010
    UPDATED: 5:13 pm CDT November 1, 2010

    COUNCIL BLUFFS, Iowa -- Health officials in Council Bluffs said a virus swept through a local elementary school, sickening 17 percent of the student body.

    The virus is still a mystery. But its effects aren?t.

    "Some of the kids have fevers, some have diarrhea and also some vomiting," said Council Bluffs Public Health Director Donn Dierks. "At this point in time, there is nothing we can tie together, but we are looking at all aspects."

    On Friday, the 20 percent -- 102 -- of Edison Elementary students stayed home sick. Janitors scrubbed the place from top to bottom that night.

    On Monday, 71 students and staff stayed home sick.

    Parents said they're getting worried.

    "I was thinking about keeping them at home today," said Lindsey Elloe.

    Said parent Jamie Snyder, "I trust that the school and the superintendent does the right thing, and clean that up the best that they can."

    Dierks said officials have determined only that the culprit is some kind of 24- to 48-hour virus.

    A school spokeswoman said they have warned parents about symptoms and treatments.

    The Public Health lab tested three students with the virus and sent samples to the state lab. Results could return as early as Tuesday.

    Meanwhile, health officials reiterated the importance of good hygiene. They said the outbreak appears confined to Edison.
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