Officials: Norovirus sickened 170 at NC elementary school

MONROE, NC (AP) — Authorities in Union County believe 170 people who were sickened after eating at a Monroe elementary school last week contracted the fast-spreading Norovirus.

The Charlotte Observer reports the county began investigating last week what caused students, staff or people who visited Shiloh Elementary to have gastrointestinal problems that apparently started last Wednesday.

Richard Matens, executive director of the county Department of Human Services, says one person had to visit a local emergency room Friday. Last Friday, 162 students and 11 teachers were absent.

Union County Public Schools spokeswoman Tahira Stalberte says the school was cleaned over the holiday weekend.

The norovirus can be contracted by contaminated food or water, or by touching contaminated surfaces. The virus causes vomiting, nausea and diarrhea.

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