Ricardo Flores Magon Academy
Health Reminders
01/11/24, 9:08 AM
Good Morning RFMA Families,
We are experiencing many student illnesses and absences at the school. As a reminder, please keep your child home if they have experienced fever, intense cough, vomiting, Flu, COVID-19, or other sickness outside of the typical winter congestion. Thank you for helping to keep our community healthy and safe.
Thank you!
Please see the following notification regarding Norovirus from our school nurse:
Norovirus season 2023-2024
Colorado is currently experiencing a higher than usual number of norovirus outbreaks. Between Sept. 1 - Dec. 22, 2023, 94 outbreaks caused by norovirus were reported, with 15 in long-term care facilities, 42 in schools, and 34 in child care facilities. While norovirus incidence is highest between the months of November to April, the number of outbreaks so far this season is more than this same time frame in previous years.
Norovirus is highly contagious, and while it is often referred to as the “stomach flu,” it is not influenza. Norovirus sheds in the stool of people who are ill and spreads via fecal-oral route. Common symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, and stomach pain. While less frequent, people who are ill can also experience fever, headache, and body aches. There is no treatment for norovirus. Due to the loss of fluids through vomiting and diarrhea, dehydration is a common complication of norovirus and can require hospitalization.
Norovirus’ low infectious dose, high environmental stability, prolonged and profuse shedding, and potential for asymptomatic infection make it challenging to control. Outbreaks of any illness in any setting are immediately four (4) hours reportable to state or local public health per Colorado regulation 6 CCR 1009-1. Suspected and confirmed norovirus outbreaks can be reported to your local public health agency or CDPHE. Call 303-692-2700 or email cdphe_food_enteric_water_diseases@state.co.us.
You can prevent norovirus by:
- Frequently washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are not effective against norovirus. This is especially important after using the toilet or changing diapers, before preparing or handling food, and prior to giving yourself or others medication.
- Not handling or preparing food for others when experiencing symptoms of norovirus, especially diarrhea.
- Using a disinfectant that is effective against norovirus. A list of effective disinfectants can be found on EPA’s List G or a solution of one cup unscented household bleach mixed with 10 cups of water can be used. This solution must remain wet on a surface for at least one minute to be effective.
- Laundering soiled linens with detergent and hot water for the maximum available cycle length and machine drying on the highest heat setting.
