Public Health is investigating an outbreak of a gastrointestinal illness — or stomach bug — in the Glace Bay, N.S., area. The unknown illness seems to have hit St. Anne’s Elementary particularly hard, which has little more than 350 students between pre-primary and Grade 5. The Cape Breton-Victoria Regional Centre for Education says protocol requires schools contact Public Health if there is a 10 per cent or greater absenteeism rate within the student body due to an illness. In a letter to parents and staff, Dr. Ishraga Awad, an associate medical officer of health with Public Health, said those affected have experienced nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, often coming on quickly and seemingly also resolving quickly. To prevent spread, he is advising students and staff wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water, stay home when sick, avoid preparing ready-to-eat food with bare hands, and clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces regularly. More to come… For more Nova Scotia news, visit our dedicated provincial page
