Leschi Elementary in Seattle closes after massive norovirus outbreak

Leschi Elementary School was closed Friday after a norovirus outbreak that left more than 100 students and staff members sick.

More than a quarter of all the school’s students caught the virus.

“All the focus is going now on cleaning,” said Tim Robinson, a spokesperson for Seattle Public Schools. “Our crews went in last night; they sprayed it down.”

“We’re certainly following the health department’s recommendations on how to handle something like this when it comes to cleaning,” he said. “We’re obviously using the EPA-approved antimicrobial products.”

Norovirus causes vomiting, diarrhea and cramps. Symptoms can last one to three days. The virus can be transmitted through handshakes and when sick people touch food or other surfaces.

Washing hands with soap and water kills the virus. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers do not.

Robinson said health officials do not know how the outbreak at Leschi Elementary started. The school is expected to reopen on Monday.