It's scrub brushes and bleach at Manawa Elementary School , with classes called off today and tomorrow because of an outbreak of what's being called a gastrointestinal virus.
School principal Sandra Roberts says the virus came without warning Wednesday, affecting over 20 percent of the 250 students. In all, 64 students were ill on Wednesday, and after consulting with the Waupaca County Health Department, it was decided to keep the building closed today and Friday. The symptoms have included nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, according to public health nurse Jo Ellen Biadasz. So far, though, the teachers at the elementary school have not been hard-hit, with just four of of 42 teachers and staff out of the building.
Roberts says the illness hasn't spread yet to the middle or high school, and they are trying to take a proactive approach. "Our concern is siblings right now. Anybody that was sick here who went home, who has siblings in the middle school and the high school, we're hoping they keep them home or watch for the symptoms."