Medicine Hat, AB (January 21, 2022): Today, Ecole Connaught School experienced a large number of student and staff absence, approximately 45% of the school population. After an AHS investigation we learned that there is a highly contagious gastrointestinal Illness (GI) spreading through the school. GI illness is not related to COVID-19, which is a respiratory illness. However, we are also seeing rising levels of absence due to COVID-19. Due to the rapid and widespread impact on the school community, our superintendent has directed a shift to online learning on Monday, January 24 and Tuesday, January 25. Staff and students will return to in person learning on Wednesday, January 26.
The health and safety of staff and students is our number one priority when illnesses are present in a school community. This was not an easy decision to make because we know how school closures impact families in ways that we are not able to support.
Cleaning & Disinfection
The school will be closed to the public and staff over the next four days and we will complete additional cleaning and 360-degree disinfection of the entire building, as recommended by AHS. We are confident that the school building will be safe for staff and students to return to in person learning on Wednesday, January 26, 2022.
Consultation with Alberta Health Services
In the past, AHS would have worked with us to identify the exact illness and provide advice, but due to the ongoing strain on health services resulting from the pandemic, they are at not able to provide us with those resources or supports. AHS has provided us with the following information:
A gastrointestinal illness causes problems with your stomach and intestines. It can cause you to have nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Other symptoms can include:
- abdominal cramps
- headache
- low-grade fever
- muscle aches
The symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe. The start of symptoms may be quick and will usually last between 12 to 60 hours. Most healthy people get better quickly however it’s important to know that a person is still contagious for up to 48 hours after they feel well. GI illness is not related to COVID-19, which is a respiratory illness.
Most children recover from the illness on their own, but to prevent the spread of infection, parents should carry out the following precautions:
- Children who are ill with vomiting or diarrhea should stay home until symptom free for 48 hours, because the germs that cause the illness can be easily spread from one child to another.
- Dehydration caused by diarrhea and vomiting is the most common complication of any gastrointestinal illness. Drink plenty of water or a rehydration drink (such as Pedialyte) until you feel better. Drink fluids slowly, in frequent, small amounts, because drinking too much too fast can cause vomiting
- Wash your hands often, especially after using the bathroom and before handling food.
- Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces immediately after vomiting or having diarrhea by using a bleach-based household cleaner.
- Immediately remove and wash soiled clothing or linens after vomiting or having diarrhea. Use hot water and soap.
- Flush vomit and/or stool in the toilet. And make sure that the surrounding area is kept clean.
- If you are concerned about your child’s illness, call HEALTHLink Alberta at 811 or have him/her assessed by a physician, especially if the symptoms of vomiting and/or diarrhea continue for more than 72 hours. If taken to the physician, your child should submit a stool sample to find out what germ is causing the diarrhea-- this can help your doctor determine the right treatment for your child if needed.
- Ensure that your child and others in your household wash their hands frequently, to prevent spread of illness in your home.
Thank you for your attention to these recommendations. For further information, please call Health LINK Alberta at 811 if you have any further questions or for further information refer to the Alberta Health Services website.
For media inquiries contact Lee Krasilowez, Communications Coordinator [email protected] 403.977.9086