A Bayport, NY high school is reporting an undisclosed number of students that have exhibited symptoms resembling norovirus, according to a letter from Bayport-Blue Point Union Free School District Superintendent, Dr Vincent Butera Friday.

Norovirus/CDC
Norovirus/CDC

The cases reported in Bayport-Blue Point High School is possibly linked to possible contaminated bottled water consumed on a recent trip to Spain.

In April, Spanish health authorities reported more than 4100 norovirus cases in Barcelona and Tarragona due to norovirus tainted bottled water.

The school district is working in conjunction with health officials to reduce exposure. School district officials note that they have been vigilant in cleaning and disinfecting surfaces on a regimented basis. A deep cleaning of the entire building is scheduled over the weekend.

In addition, they encourage people to practice proper hygiene, particularly good handwashing.

Norovirus is a highly contagious viral illness that often goes by other names, such as viral gastroenteritis, stomach flu, and food poisoning.

The symptoms include nausea,vomiting, diarrhea, and some stomach cramping. Sometimes people additionally have a low-grade fever,chills,headache, muscle aches, and a general sense of tiredness. The illness often begins suddenly, and the infected person may feel very sick. In most people, the illness is self-limiting with symptoms lasting for about 1 or 2 days. In general, children experience more vomiting than adults do.

Norovirus is spread person to person particularly in crowded, closed places. Norovirus is typically spread through contaminated food and water, touching surfaces or objects contaminated with norovirus and then putting your hand or fingers in your mouth and close contact with someone who is vomiting or has diarrhea.

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