Outbreak infects 400 people in Washoe County schools

RENO — An outbreak of gastrointestinal illness has sickened nearly 400 people at 10 Washoe County public schools and several day care centers.

The Reno Gazette-Journal reports that county health officials reported Thursday that they are working with schools and day care centers to document and contain the outbreak.

Sick students and faculty have been warned to stay home, and the affected facilities are following health district guidelines.

The county dealt with another outbreak in 2012 when hundreds of school children were sickened by gastrointestinal illness. The outbreak died down when schools closed for Christmas break and staff was able to perform through cleanings.

The bacteria and viruses that cause the illness enter the body through the mouth. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramping.