Dora Moore ECE-8 School

Hi Dora Moore Families!

 

We are always committed to keeping you informed of issues that may affect your students.

 

Our nursing team has noticed a heightened number of GI 'stomach flu-like' illnesses/symptoms at school during the last couple school days.  We consulted with DPS nursing services yesterday afternoon.

 

Attached you will find a letter from DDPHE regarding this increase in illness. We are working hard to keep our surfaces clean, wash our hands regularly throughout the day, and encourage students to keep their hands to themselves and away from their face, eyes, nose, and mouths. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to our wonderful nursing team here at Dora Moore!

Sincerely, 

Abe & Jillian

 

Gastrointestinal Illness Alert for Parents

The purpose of this letter is to inform you that Dora Moore ECE-8 School has been experiencing an
increased number of children and/or staff that have become ill with diarrhea and/or vomiting. This
type of illness is commonly referred to as “the stomach flu”, GI (gastrointestinal) Illness, and viral
gastroenteritis. A variety of viruses can cause GI illness. People who live in the same home or share a
common space like a classroom are much more likely to contract GI illness from each other. Good
hand washing and staying home if you/your child is sick is the best way to prevent further illness.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
• Diarrhea (often explosive)
• Vomiting (sometimes severe)
• Nausea
• Stomach aches/cramps
• Fever
• Headache
• Body aches
• Symptoms often start suddenly, in as little as 12 hours to 48 hours after exposure
• Illness usually lasts up to 3 or 4 days, however the illness can still spread for several days after
illness

HOW IS IT SPREAD?
• Fecal (poop) → oral route, a person eats food or water contaminated with poop.
• Direct person-to-person spread: a person is exposed to feces or vomit of an infected person.
• Breathing in virus particles after someone vomits.

TREATMENT AND CONTROL OF SPREAD
• Contact your health care provider if your child has severe vomiting or diarrhea. A test may be
available.
• Most people who become ill with GI illness usually get better on their own, but it can be serious
for babies and older adults.
• People with GI illness should stay home until 48 hours after their diarrhea and vomiting stop.
• Wash your hands after using the bathroom or vomiting, and after caring for a sick family
member.
• Disinfect surfaces with a product effective against Norovirus like household bleach and 5–25
tablespoons per gallon of water. Wear disposable gloves to clean poop and vomit and dispose
of immediately after cleaning.

For additional questions, please contact:
Denver Department of Public Health & Environment Epidemiology and Disease Intervention Team:
720-865-5767 or ddphe_epi@denvergov.org.